PEOPLE
Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, recently announced key changes to the company’s organisational structure, merging Cisco’s Networking, Security and Collaboration teams into a single unit. The new division will be led by Jeetu Patel, who has been with Cisco for four years, and is now the new EVP and Chief Product Officer. Robbins commented, “Jonathan Davidson has made the decision to step away from his current role leading Cisco Networking and will now serve as an advisor to me.” Since joining Cisco, Jeetu Patel has played a crucial role in transforming Cisco’s Security and Collaboration portfolios. With his creative vision and focus on innovation, he has facilitated growth in Security and returned the collaboration business to growth. Patel’s passion, design focus, and sense of urgency make him the perfect fit for leading this newly formed organisation. Jonathan Davidson’s contribution to Cisco in his 22-year tenure has been instrumental. He is a firm believer in the power of connection, and his commitment to innovation and technology has been exemplary. His transition to an advisory role will be invaluable to the company. The restructure is intended to enhance product innovation, provide a simplified and unified experience for customers, and fully integrate recently acquired Splunk into Cisco at an appropriate time. The future Splunk integration will aim to bring the entire product portfolio together as one team, address complex technology demands and provide a unified experience for Cisco’s customers and partners. New CPO at Cisco
Avnet names 2 new Board Directors Avnet has recently appointed Virginia “Ginnie” Henkels and Helmut Gassel to its Board of Directors, and both will initially serve on Avnet’s Audit Committee. Ms. Henkels brings an extensive background
in finance and accounting leadership. She served as Chief Financial Officer of
Chuck Robbins CEO
Empowerment & Inclusion Capital I Corp., from 2020 to 2023. She previously served as CFO at Swift Transportation for nine years (2008 to 2017) and held various finance and accounting positions throughout her 34-year career with Swift and Honeywell International. Since 2017, Ms. Henkels has served on the boards of LCI Industries and Viad Corporation. “Ginnie has a proven track record of strong leadership, and she deepens our Board’s financial expertise,” said Rodney C. Adkins, Chair of the Avnet Board. “We look forward to her added guidance as Avnet continues to prudently manage its finances and operations in all economic cycles.” Dr. Gassel has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for nearly 30 years. He currently serves on the Board of Nordic Semiconductor, and he is a Co-Founder and Partner of Silian Partners, an advisory group of industry senior executives. He previously served in a series of leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Infineon Technologies, including Management Board member and Chief Marketing Officer (from 2016 to 2022) and as a Division President (from 2008 to 2016). “Helmut has a deep understanding of our industry, including its technology trends, customers, and suppliers,” said Adkins. “Our Board is delighted to welcome a seasoned semiconductor industry executive as a new Director.”
Jeetu Patel EVP & Chief Product Officer
Jonathan Davidson CEO
cisco.com
Virginia “Ginnie” Henkels
Dr. Helmut Gassel
avnet.com
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