JERUSALEM, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Check Point Software

Technologies ( CHKP ) said on Monday that Nadav Zafrir has taken

over as chief executive, replacing Gil Shwed who had been CEO

for 30 years and built the Israeli network security firm into a

multi-billion-dollar company.

Shwed, who said he would step down in February, takes on the

role of executive chairman of the board of directors.

Zafrir, former commander in the Israeli military's

intelligence unit 8200, was appointed as his successor in July.

He co-founded Israeli venture group Team8, which invests in

cybersecurity, data & AI, fintech and digital health and built,

invested and chaired 17 cybersecurity companies.

"Check Point embarks on a new chapter," Shwed said. "I have

full confidence in the company's strategy, strength, leadership

and employees, and we will work together to ensure this new

journey brings even more success than we've achieved so far."