Kip Compton appointed CEO as Fastly reaffirms 2025 guidance

Kip Compton has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fastly and named to the Board of Directors, with immediate effect.

Compton, previously Fastly's Chief Product Officer, replaces Todd Nightingale, who has stepped down as CEO, President and Director of the Board. Nightingale will remain as an advisor to the company until 30 June 2025 before pursuing an external opportunity.

David Hornik, Fastly's Board Chair, commented on the leadership transition.

"We want to thank Todd for his leadership, product portfolio evolution, dedication to our customers, and for building a strong executive team that positions Fastly to seamlessly navigate this transition. We are excited to have Kip step into the CEO role. He is a seasoned executive with a compelling vision for the future of the edge. We are confident in his ability to lead Fastly into its next chapter and drive strength in our business."

Compton, who joined Fastly in January 2024 as Chief Product Officer, now steps into the CEO role with a mandate to guide the company's strategy and continued growth. Since joining, he has played a central role in advancing Fastly's product strategy, deepening engagement with customers and investors, and driving business growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Compton stated:

"I am honoured to lead Fastly as CEO. Since joining, I have worked closely with Todd and the leadership team to elevate our strategy, increase our product velocity, and position us for growth. I look forward to building on our momentum and capitalising on the significant opportunities in front of us."

Compton brings over 25 years of executive experience in cloud, video, and networking technologies. Prior to joining Fastly, he served as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development for Cisco Networking, where he led teams overseeing strategy, portfolio management, investments, and acquisitions. His career also includes multiple technology, business development, and operational roles at Cisco and Comcast.

He is credited with multiple patents in the fields of digital video, security, and networking, and is known in the industry for his technical expertise and leadership in bringing new technologies to market.

Compton holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering and a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also earned an MBA from Wharton.

Fastly's Board expressed its confidence in Compton's ability to continue the work of his predecessor and ensure stability during the transition. According to the company, Compton has focused on increasing the product development pace and refining the company's portfolio to match evolving market demands.

Fastly's reaffirmation of its financial guidance from 7 May 2025 signals that the management change will not affect its previous outlook for the second quarter and full year 2025 results.

The company provides an edge cloud platform used by a range of global brands for online delivery, security, and performance optimisation. Its clients include organisations such as Reddit, Neiman Marcus, Universal Music Group, and SeatGeek.

Nightingale's transition to an advisory role until the end of June aims to help ensure a smooth handover and continuity in leadership, with the board seeking to maintain stability during the period of change.