News Release

Cisco Systems Names Charles Giancarlo Chief Development Officer

Mario Mazzola to Retire from Cisco as CDO

New Generation of Technology Leaders to Take Cisco Engineering to the Next Level
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Jul 07, 2005

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 7, 2005 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced that Charles H. Giancarlo has been appointed chief development officer, effective July 31, 2005. Giancarlo, previously chief technology officer, succeeds Mario Mazzola who will retire from Cisco after serving over 12 years in engineering leadership roles at the Company. Giancarlo will report to Cisco President and Chief Executive Officer John Chambers.

"The evolution of Cisco's engineering leadership team builds on the organization's unequaled industry track record and proven ability to adjust to continuous change," said John Chambers, president and CEO, Cisco Systems. "Under Mario's strong direction, Cisco has developed the foundation of a world-class engineering organization-his leadership contributed significantly during a pivotal time in Cisco's history, solidifying our reputation for innovation and risk taking. I have tremendous confidence in Charlie's ability to build upon this foundation, leading the next chapter in Cisco's history as we execute against Cisco's technology vision-an Intelligent Information Network evolving from products to solutions to systems."

Evolution of Technology Organization

As part of the announcement, Cisco stated that it will enhance emphasis on areas of increased opportunity within the engineering organization, tapping key leaders to take expanded roles and promotions into senior leadership positions.

Expanded Roles Emphasis for Emerging Technology Areas

  • Jayshree Ullal, senior vice president, Security Technology Group, will take an expanded role to include the Data Center, Switching and Security Technology Group. These areas represent both current and future major emerging market opportunities for Cisco, which Ullal will lead in addition to driving our current focus on security. Ullal's new role includes responsibilities previously held by senior vice president Luca Cafiero, who will retire from Cisco.

  • Mike Volpi, senior vice president, Routing Technology Group, will take an expanded role with added emphasis on the service provider market, including optical and service provider voice technologies. He is also taking on additional responsibility for leading the company's overall service provider strategy. Volpi's appointment points to both the momentum and importance of the service provider market for Cisco, as well as recognition of his many significant accomplishments throughout his tenure at Cisco. Volpi's new role also includes responsibilities previously held jointly with senior vice president Prem Jain, who will retire from Cisco.

Chambers continued, "Mike and Jayshree have both transformed multiple organizations at Cisco through their broad vision and leadership across all facets of Cisco's business. They have what it takes to move Cisco forward in the technology areas that represent strong future growth potential for the company."

Promotions
  • Kathy Hill has been promoted to senior vice president, Ethernet Systems and Wireless Technology Group.
  • Don Proctor has been promoted to senior vice president, Voice Technology Group.
  • Tony Bates has been promoted to senior vice president, Carrier Core and Multiservices Business Unit.
  • Ian Pennell has been promoted to senior vice president, Access Business Unit.
  • Pankaj Patel has been promoted to senior vice president, Broadband Edge & Mid-Range Routing Business Unit

The remainder of the technology leadership team will continue with their current roles and responsibilities. Giancarlo will continue to serve as President of Cisco-Linksys, LLC.

"It is both an honor and a privilege to take on the role of CDO for Cisco," said Giancarlo. "Our engineering organization is comprised of more than 14,000 engineers who are committed to technology excellence and driving innovation in networking. I hope to be as successful as Mario in leading this very talented product development organization."