Cisco Systems announced Monday that it has named Chuck Robbins, a 17-year veteran of the San Jose networking company, as its new CEO. Robbins replaces John Chambers, who will become executive chairman after 20 years as CEO.
Robbins’ most recent position was as senior vice president of worldwide operations, responsible for the Cisco’s global sales and partner team.
“Chuck embodies all the characteristics and traits we had outlined initially for the ideal Cisco CEO,” board member Roderick McGeary wrote in a blog post detailing the company’s 16-month search for the successor to Chambers.
Chambers has talked about retiring for the past couple of years. McGeary indicated that the company considered only internal candidates as it looked for a replacement.
The changes are effective July 26.
Photo: John Chambers will become executive chairman of Cisco after 20 years as its chief executive. (AFP/Getty Images)
