AppSense, the leading provider of user virtualization technology, today appointed Peter Rawlinson chief marketing officer responsible for global marketing activities and driving the strategic direction of the business.

With more than 50 percent order growth and an increase of over 50 percent in the employee base in 2011, AppSense dominates what is fast becoming a major and independent user virtualization category. As CMO, Rawlinson will ensure that AppSense continues to focus on its customer-centric view of the market while continuing to drive strategic marketing programs that build the business and further evolve the AppSense brand.

Rawlinson has served as the vice president of worldwide marketing for AppSense since 2005 and has been instrumental in establishing the user virtualization market and positioning AppSense as the leading vendor in the space. During his tenure at AppSense, Rawlinson has grown the marketing organization from a core team based in the UK to a multi-discipline marketing function operating in six countries. Rawlinson was also a key part of the AppSense executive team that oversaw the company’s $70 million investment from Goldman Sachs in February 2011.

“Peter’s passion and dedication to AppSense and our technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge and experience in this space, makes him the ideal choice to steer our strategic initiatives in what promises to be an exciting time for the company,” said Darron Antill, CEO of AppSense. “As we continue our global expansion, we are confident Peter will help lead our company into the next phase. He plays a critical role in managing and positioning AppSense as the leader in our industry.”

Rawlinson joined AppSense’s Manchester office in 2005 as vice president of marketing, and took the worldwide marketing helm stateside when the company opened its U.S. headquarters in New York in 2010. With over 15 years of software marketing experience, he has successfully managed and marketed enterprise software solutions including Document Management with OpenText and Contract Management with iMany. Rawlinson also co-founded electronic commerce company Intelisys, where he created and managed global marketing and product management teams responsible for a $200 million product line and developed alliances with Microsoft, Citrix, IBM, Motorola and JPMorgan Chase among others.

“As a member of the AppSense management team for the past six years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the team to help build the AppSense brand,” said Rawlinson. “I am passionate about the work we do at AppSense. As we move closer to a people-centric world, AppSense is paving the way for enterprises across the globe to successfully address this transition and prepare for the future. My team and I will continue to work closely with key customers and partners and to extend AppSense’s expansion and leadership in the user virtualization market.”