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Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones on LinkedIn 
Kelly Jones is Chief People Officer at Cisco. She leads the People & Communities team, focusing on spearheading transformative people strategy and operations initiatives that empower a global workforce of more than 86,000 employees. Her work advances Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, implementing data-driven, people-first solutions that drive the company’s transformation through empowerment and innovation.
During her 19 years at Cisco, Kelly has built award-winning global teams and implemented transformative initiatives at every level, from early-in-career talent programs to executive strategy. Her efforts drive efficiency, quality, connection, and performance across Cisco’s workforce. Kelly’s career at Cisco began in Talent Acquisition, in roles supporting Engineering and Operations, University Relations, and Sales and Marketing. She advanced to Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Mobility and later led as Senior Vice President & Global Head of Talent Solutions. Prior to joining Cisco, Kelly served as Vice President of Sales Operations for Comsys and was the Principal Owner of an executive placement and consulting firm.
Kelly is deeply committed to fostering a culture of belonging, serving as the executive sponsor for the Connected Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusive Community (CDAN), the Veterans Leadership Program, and the Well-being Ambassador Program. She is also Cisco’s executive country sponsor for Finland and Portugal and executive sponsor for the company’s partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Kelly has been recognized as CHRO of the Year in Ragan’s 2025 Workplace Wellness Awards, Human Resources Executive of the Year by The International Business Awards, and a winner in Ragan’s 2026 Top Women in HR Awards. She currently serves on the board of the Children’s Tumor Foundation and is a member of the Executive Women’s Alliance. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law from North Carolina State University and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog, Henri.
Kelly Jones is Chief People Officer at Cisco. She leads the People & Communities team, focusing on spearheading transformative people strategy and operations initiatives that empower a global workforce of more than 86,000 employees. Her work advances Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, implementing data-driven, people-first solutions that drive the company’s transformation through empowerment and innovation.
During her 19 years at Cisco, Kelly has built award-winning global teams and implemented transformative initiatives at every level, from early-in-career talent programs to executive strategy. Her efforts drive efficiency, quality, connection, and performance across Cisco’s workforce. Kelly’s career at Cisco began in Talent Acquisition, in roles supporting Engineering and Operations, University Relations, and Sales and Marketing. She advanced to Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Mobility and later led as Senior Vice President & Global Head of Talent Solutions. Prior to joining Cisco, Kelly served as Vice President of Sales Operations for Comsys and was the Principal Owner of an executive placement and consulting firm.
Kelly is deeply committed to fostering a culture of belonging, serving as the executive sponsor for the Connected Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusive Community (CDAN), the Veterans Leadership Program, and the Well-being Ambassador Program. She is also Cisco’s executive country sponsor for Finland and Portugal and executive sponsor for the company’s partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Kelly has been recognized as CHRO of the Year in Ragan’s 2025 Workplace Wellness Awards, Human Resources Executive of the Year by The International Business Awards, and a winner in Ragan’s 2026 Top Women in HR Awards. She currently serves on the board of the Children’s Tumor Foundation and is a member of the Executive Women’s Alliance. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law from North Carolina State University and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog, Henri.