Cisco appoints new chief executive officer

Chuck Robbins

Cisco has named company exec Chuck Robbins as its next chief executive officer and the successor to John Chambers, who has held the post for the past 20 years.

Robbins, who first joined Cisco in 1997 and has most recently served as senior vice president of worldwide operations, will take up the CEO role effective July 26 and joined the board of directors on May 1.

Chambers will remain chairman of the Cisco board and will become Cisco’s executive chairman on July 26.

Commenting on the management changes, Chambers said: “We’ve selected a very strong leader at a time when Cisco is in a very strong position.

“Today’s pace of change is exponential. Every company, city and country is becoming digital, navigating disruptive markets, and Cisco’s role in the digital transformation has never been more important.

“Chuck knows every Cisco segment, technology area, and geography, and will move the company forward with the speed required to capitalise on the opportunities in front of us. He is a champion of the Cisco culture and has an incredible ability to inspire, energise, and connect with employees, partners, customers and global leaders.”