LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY
Chuck Robbins sits at the helm of Cisco Systems , the world ’ s largest manufacturer of internet networking equipment , as it navigates perhaps its most significant transformation . As Chair and Chief Executive Officer since 2015 , he oversees a company that connects much of the world ’ s internet traffic through its routers and switches .
The transformation Chuck describes involves moving Cisco beyond its hardware foundations into software , services and artificial intelligence – computer systems that can learn from data to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence .
“ AI is moving at an unprecedented pace , especially when you compare it to some of the technologies that we talked about over the years ,” Chuck says . “ How long did we talk about 5G before we deployed it ? Generative AI is coming on very quickly , and it ’ s been deployed across our portfolio .”
Strategic acquisition Earlier in 2024 Cisco announced it had completed its acquisition of Splunk , a data analytics company that helps organisations monitor and analyse their digital systems . The deal marks a significant expansion of Cisco ’ s software capabilities at a time when enterprise technology buyers seek integrated solutions for network management and security .
“ As one of the world ’ s largest software companies , we will revolutionise the way our customers leverage data to connect and protect every aspect of their organisation as we help power and protect the AI revolution ,” Chuck says .
The acquisition combines Cisco ’ s networking technology with Splunk ’ s data platform , aiming to provide organisations with comprehensive visibility across their digital operations . This move positions Cisco to compete more effectively with companies like Microsoft and IBM in the enterprise software market .
Industry evolution The shift towards software and services represents a departure from Cisco ’ s traditional business model , which relied on selling network hardware .
CHARLES “ CHUCK ” ROBBINS
TITLE : CHAIR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
COMPANY : CISCO
INDUSTRY : ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY / NETWORKING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING
LOCATION : UNITED STATES
Chuck Robbins leads Cisco Systems as Chair and CEO , steering the network equipment maker ’ s transformation from hardware to software , AI and cloud services . A 25-year Cisco veteran and UNC Chapel Hill graduate , he chairs the Business Roundtable and serves on BlackRock ’ s board while championing workplace diversity and digital innovation .
34 December 2024