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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Poppy Gustafsson stepped down as Darktrace’s CEO on 6 September 2024, and then-COO Jill Popelka succeeded her that day. Darktrace linked the handover to its planned transition into private ownership following Thoma Bravo’s acquisition. In the latest leadership update located, dated 27 January 2026, Darktrace said Popelka had stepped down and Chairman Charles Goodman was serving as interim CEO.
When did Poppy Gustafsson leave Darktrace?
Darktrace announced on 6 September 2024 that Gustafsson’s departure as CEO took effect immediately. The company also appointed Popelka as CEO and to its board on that date. Companies House records show the corresponding director changes took effect on 6 September; those filings corroborate the board-level dates, rather than the CEO appointment itself.
Why did Gustafsson step down?
Darktrace said its acquisition by Thoma Bravo was nearing completion and that it had identified a successor. Gustafsson described the timing as a planned handover: “With the acquisition of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo nearing its completion and with us having identified an excellent successor in Jill, now is the right time to hand over the reins so Jill can lead Darktrace through its transition into private ownership and beyond.”
That is the explanation given by the company and Gustafsson in the 6 September 2024 announcement. The announcement said all but one foreign regulatory approval had been received at the time; it was a contemporaneous update, not the date the deal ultimately closed. The material available does not establish a separate personal reason for her departure.
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Who replaced her, and what happened to the acquisition?
Jill Popelka, Darktrace’s then-chief operating officer, became CEO on 6 September 2024. Darktrace said its board had implemented its succession plan.
The acquisition became effective on 1 October 2024. Darktrace announced that the scheme transferred the entire issued share capital to Luke Bidco, which it said was indirectly wholly owned by funds managed or advised by Thoma Bravo. The announcement also said the non-executive directors resigned, while Popelka and Cathy Graham remained directors.
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Who leads Darktrace now?
On 27 January 2026, Darktrace announced that Popelka had stepped down, Chairman Charles Goodman was interim CEO, and the board was searching for a successor. The company said Popelka would remain an advisor. This is the latest leadership status located for this article; it does not establish whether a permanent successor was appointed after that announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What was Darktrace’s scale at the time?
In 2024, Darktrace described itself as having nearly 10,000 customers, more than 2,400 employees and operations in 110 countries. These are company-reported figures from that period, not independently verified or current totals.
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