Cisco Systems last week announced a major change to its executive leadership team. Cisco veteran David Goeckeler, executive vice president and general manager of the Networking and Security business, revealed that he was moving on to become CEO of Western Digital.
At the same time, Cisco announced his successor: Todd Nightingale, Cisco’s current senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Meraki, is becoming senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s $34bn Enterprise Networking and Cloud Business. But that’s not the only major shakeup.
The tech giant revealed a series of executive changes and several new and reworked business units as the firm pivots to focus on cloud, applications, and emerging technologies.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins in a tweet last week wished Goeckeler well in his new role leading Western Digital. “We will miss you but we will all be your biggest fans! Go make us proud as we know you will!” Robbins tweeted.
Cisco said that the firm is excited to add Nightingale to its executive leadership team, especially because he’s known for his work on the Cisco Meraki portfolio and the efforts Cisco is making to combine cloud and networking in keeping with customer demand around multi-cloud and simplification. Nightingale will be leading Cisco’s newly combined Enterprise Networking and Cloud division.
In addition to executive leadership changes, the tech giant also revealed several re-organised business groups.
“We are always looking to build the strongest portfolio and platforms for the future. Our customers want simplicity, security, and real-time collaboration as they accelerate their cloud, 5G and AI strategies. Our new product leaders are experts in these areas, and we are thrilled to have them bring new perspectives to Cisco’s executive team. Cisco’s new engineering team structure aligns with our transformation strategy to drive growth and innovation,” a Cisco spokesperson said of the changes
Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cisco’s Collaboration business Amy Chang has decided to take time off to spend time with her family, according to the company. Cisco said that Chang is not leaving Cisco and that the firm looks forward to her return.
In the meantime, Sri Srinivasan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s Team Collaboration Group, is expanding his role to lead Cisco’s Collaboration business. Unlike Chang, however, Srinivasan will not become a member of Cisco’s executive leadership team.
