logo
Upwind names Rinki Sethi Chief Security Officer amid growth

Upwind names Rinki Sethi Chief Security Officer amid growth

Techday NZ12-06-2025

Upwind has appointed Rinki Sethi as Chief Security Officer, where she will lead the company's global Information Security and Technology functions, as well as contribute to strategy across marketing, go-to-market, and customer engagement.
Sethi brings more than twenty years of experience in cybersecurity, having held senior roles at Twitter, BILL, Rubrik, Walmart, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and eBay/PayPal. She has served on the boards of Vaultree and ForgeRock and is a founding partner at Lockstep Ventures.
Upwind reports significant business momentum, citing a 4,000% year-on-year revenue increase in 2024, 40% growth in its customer base, and over 30 product updates in the first quarter of 2025. The company positions itself as an alternative to traditional CNAPP vendors, focusing on real-time, runtime-first detection and protection across cloud environments.
Leadership perspective
"Rinki is one of the most respected CISOs in the world, and her decision to join Upwind is a major signal of where the future of cloud security is headed," said Amiram Shachar, CEO and co-founder of Upwind. "She was one of the first to recognise that runtime context transforms how we secure the cloud. Now, she'll help scale that vision globally with the technical depth, customer empathy, and executive horsepower to match."
As an early customer of Upwind, Sethi brings both practitioner and boardroom experience to the new role. Upwind's approach integrates CSPM, CWPP, CDR, vulnerability management, and identity security, anchored in live runtime activity. According to the company, this results in up to 95% fewer alerts and faster incident remediation for customers.
Sethi's experience
"As a CISO, I lived the pain of chasing dashboards while incidents unfolded in real-time," said Rinki Sethi, Chief Security Officer of Upwind. "Upwind is the first platform I've seen that flips the model, from reactive noise to real-time decisions. As an early customer, I experienced how powerful it is to operate with full runtime context. That's why I'm joining Upwind, to help build the future I always wanted as a practitioner."
Sethi holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering from UC Davis and a master's degree in Information Security from Capella University. She is recognised as an industry voice and advocate for women in security. Outside of work, Sethi is a mother of two, fitness enthusiast, and active supporter of early-stage cybersecurity startups.
Follow us on:
Share on:

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Employment Bill Clarifies Modern Grey Areas
Employment Bill Clarifies Modern Grey Areas

Scoop

time5 days ago

  • Scoop

Employment Bill Clarifies Modern Grey Areas

BusinessNZ supports the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, saying the changes will have a positive impact across New Zealand's economy. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the Bill should provide more certainty, particularly around contract-based work. "In clarifying the employee-contractor distinction through the previously announced gateway test, the Amendment Bill will simplify chosen working arrangements for all parties involved. "The personal grievance process is being simplified, preventing the likelihood of rewarding poor employee behaviour. A system that increasingly fines employers for trying to deal with poor performance or serious misconduct including theft, fraud and even violence, is one that clearly needs fixing. "It also makes sense to tidy up the 30-day rule introduced under the previous Government, which saw new employees automatically classed as union members if there is a collective agreement, for the first 30 days - whether they wanted to or not. "In reality, the 30-day rule is a compliance headache for employers and employees alike, and is something that BusinessNZ has argued should be removed. "The issues being addressed in this Amendment Bill have been flagged as a drag on productivity and flexibility by businesses. The BusinessNZ Network has been advocating for these changes for some time, and it's encouraging to see that Minister van Velden is listening to business owners' concerns during what remains a difficult time to be operating. "BusinessNZ looks forward to working further with the Minister on workplace issues to improve our economy and make New Zealand an even better place to be."

Goodbye disposable vapes: What are the new rules from tomorrow?
Goodbye disposable vapes: What are the new rules from tomorrow?

1News

time6 days ago

  • 1News

Goodbye disposable vapes: What are the new rules from tomorrow?

Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday, as tough new vape rules kick in. Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. What's being banned? The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from tomorrow. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year. ADVERTISEMENT The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5% of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a push to lift our superannuation age, rising Middle East tensions, and Auckland's amateur footballers face off against global giants. (Source: 1News) They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also, as of tomorrow, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions means businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. ADVERTISEMENT For instance, the Government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From June 17, we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules, and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website. Research finds people who vape are more than twice as likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (Source: 1News) Also, as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offering lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Haven't there already been some restrictions on vapes? Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations, which began coming into effect in December. ADVERTISEMENT As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said, "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". Associate Health Minister Casey Costello. Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ (Source: "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chairperson of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand (VIANZ), said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. ADVERTISEMENT He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. Will people just switch from disposable vapes to refillable pods? "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." University of Otago Professor Janet Hoek. (Source: Supplied) "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. ADVERTISEMENT "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower-priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." The results are prompting calls for tighter regulation and more support, Kate Nicol-Williams reports. (Source: 1News) Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. ADVERTISEMENT "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on June 1, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to "Big Puff" high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. What does this mean for the vaping industry? "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. ADVERTISEMENT A woman vaping. (Source: "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. But should more be done to control vaping? Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower-income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). ADVERTISEMENT "I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes has been the waste they generate, Devery said. Yellow disposable electronic cigarette in a teenagers hand. (Source: "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80% according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Will this help NZ meet its Smokefree 2025 goals? Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that the goal is falling short, with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the Government's changes will continue to work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." Vaping (file photo). (Source: The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5% of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9% of adults - across the country. ADVERTISEMENT "VIANZ urges the Government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers." ADVERTISEMENT By Nik Dirga of

Tough new vape rules set to kick in
Tough new vape rules set to kick in

Otago Daily Times

time6 days ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Tough new vape rules set to kick in

By Nik Dirga of RNZ Explainer - Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday as tough new vape rules kick in. Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. What's being banned? The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year. The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5 percent of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also as of Tuesday, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions mean businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. For instance, the government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From the 17th June we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website. Also as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offer lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Haven't there already been some restrictions on vapes? Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations which began coming into effect in December. As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said, "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chair of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand, said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. Will people just switch from disposable vapes to refillable pods? "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to 'Big Puff' high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. What does this mean for the vaping industry? "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. But should more be done to control vaping? Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes have been the waste they generate, Devery said. "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80 percent according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement. Will this help New Zealand meet its Smokefree 2025 goals? Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that goal is falling short, with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the government's changes will continue work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5 percent of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9 percent of adults - across the country. "VIANZ urges the government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store