Cisco Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cisco has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and operations.

Driven by innovation, Cisco designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol-based networking products, fostering global connectivity and digital transformation across industries.

Leadership Roles at Cisco

  • Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager - Kashif UlHaque
  • Chief of Staff - Akash Kothari
  • Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies - Krishnaji Panse
  • Director, Strategy Planning & Cisco Cloud Ai Infrastructure Chief of Staff - Sarah Eder
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Fletcher Previn
  • Chief of Staff & Planning & Operations Cx Director, Strategy (Spo, Americas) - Robert Moss
  • Senior Director, Chief of Staff Supply Chain Operations - Lori Osterback
  • Strategy, Planning & Operations Cx Cloud Product Insights Chief of Staff - Bret Dupuis
  • PRIDE APJC Chief of Staff - Avanti Deshmukh
  • Cybersecurity Strategic Accounts Field Chief Technology Officer - Jason Maynard
  • Kashif UlHaque - Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager

    Kashif UlHaque, the Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager at Cisco, leads Cisco's operations and strategic direction within the Afghanistan, Pakistan (AFPAK) region. UlHaque is responsible for driving business growth, fostering market penetration, and ensuring the successful delivery of Cisco's networking and technology solutions in these key territories. This executive role involves overseeing all aspects of the country's business, including sales, marketing, and partner engagement. Kashif UlHaque champions Cisco's mission to connect and advance the region through technology, building strong relationships with government entities and enterprise clients. The leadership of UlHaque is critical for expanding Cisco's footprint and impact, contributing to the digital transformation efforts within AFPAK.

    Akash Kothari - Chief of Staff

    Akash Kothari, the Chief of Staff at Cisco, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across key departments. Overseeing cross-functional projects, Kothari ensures alignment with Cisco's overarching business objectives. This leadership position involves managing critical communications and facilitating decision-making processes for executive leadership. By streamlining workflows, Akash Kothari enhances the company's ability to deliver advanced networking solutions and maintain its market leadership. The role demands meticulous planning and execution to support Cisco's global operations and product development cycles, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies and strategies. Kothari's focus remains on optimizing internal processes to drive external success and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

    Krishnaji Panse - Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies

    Krishnaji Panse, the Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies at Cisco, architects advanced technological solutions for Service Provider (SP) markets across the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Panse spearheads the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and massive-scale data centers, crucial for next-generation networking and AI applications. This role involves deep technical expertise in SP technologies, driving innovation in areas critical to Cisco's future growth. Krishnaji Panse ensures that Cisco's technological offerings in the APJ region remain at the forefront, supporting massive data processing and AI-driven services. The strategic vision of Panse guides the engineering teams in building robust, scalable, and efficient data center architectures that power the digital economy.
    Krishnaji Panse

    Sarah Eder - Director, Strategy Planning & Cisco Cloud Ai Infrastructure Chief of Staff

    Sarah Eder, the Director, Strategy Planning & Cisco Cloud Ai Infrastructure Chief of Staff at Cisco, orchestrates strategic planning and operational execution for Cisco's Cloud AI Infrastructure. Eder's responsibilities encompass defining strategic roadmaps, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring seamless integration of AI technologies within Cisco's cloud offerings. This critical role involves close collaboration with engineering and product management teams to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced AI infrastructure. Sarah Eder drives initiatives that enhance Cisco's competitive position in the cloud and AI markets, focusing on scalability, performance, and innovation. The strategic insights provided by Eder are vital for navigating the complex landscape of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, ensuring Cisco remains a leader in delivering cutting-edge solutions.

    Fletcher Previn - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Fletcher Previn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Cisco, directs the company's global information technology strategy and operations. Previn oversees the infrastructure, applications, and digital transformation initiatives that power Cisco's worldwide business. This leadership position involves ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, optimizing IT service delivery, and driving innovation through technology adoption. Fletcher Previn plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and enabling new business capabilities across all Cisco functions. By leveraging advanced IT solutions, Previn supports Cisco's mission to design, manufacture, and sell networking products, ensuring seamless connectivity and productivity for employees and customers alike. The strategic direction set by Previn is fundamental to Cisco's ability to adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

    Robert Moss - Chief of Staff & Planning & Operations Cx Director, Strategy (Spo, Americas)

    Robert Moss, the Chief of Staff & Planning & Operations Cx Director, Strategy (Spo, Americas) at Cisco, drives strategic planning and operational excellence for Customer Experience (CX) within the Americas region. Moss oversees critical planning functions and operational improvements, ensuring alignment with Cisco's broader business objectives. This role involves optimizing CX strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty across North and South America. Robert Moss focuses on streamlining operations and implementing innovative solutions that support Cisco's product offerings and service delivery. The strategic guidance provided by Moss is essential for navigating the complexities of the Americas market, driving growth and efficiency in customer-facing operations. Moss's leadership ensures that Cisco's CX initiatives are effectively executed, contributing to sustained business success.

    Lori Osterback - Senior Director, Chief of Staff Supply Chain Operations

    Lori Osterback, the Senior Director, Chief of Staff Supply Chain Operations at Cisco, directs and optimizes Cisco's global supply chain operations. Osterback oversees critical functions related to planning, logistics, and procurement, ensuring the efficient flow of products from manufacturing to customers worldwide. This role is instrumental in enhancing supply chain resilience, managing inventory levels, and driving cost efficiencies across Cisco's extensive network. Lori Osterback collaborates closely with manufacturing partners and internal teams to implement best practices and innovative solutions that support Cisco's product delivery commitments. The strategic oversight provided by Osterback is vital for maintaining Cisco's competitive edge by ensuring timely and reliable product availability in a dynamic global market.

    Bret Dupuis - Strategy, Planning & Operations Cx Cloud Product Insights Chief of Staff

    Bret Dupuis, the Strategy, Planning & Operations Cx Cloud Product Insights Chief of Staff at Cisco, drives strategic initiatives and operational enhancements for Cisco's Cloud Product Insights. Dupuis focuses on leveraging data analytics and market intelligence to inform product development and customer experience strategies within Cisco's cloud offerings. This position involves close collaboration with product management, engineering, and CX teams to identify key insights and opportunities for improvement. Bret Dupuis ensures that strategic planning aligns with operational execution, enhancing the value delivered to cloud customers. The insights generated under Dupuis's direction are crucial for Cisco's ability to innovate and maintain a leading position in the competitive cloud market, optimizing product performance and customer satisfaction.

    Avanti Deshmukh - PRIDE APJC Chief of Staff

    Avanti Deshmukh, the PRIDE APJC Chief of Staff at Cisco, leads strategic initiatives and operational coordination for the PRIDE network across the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Deshmukh focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Cisco's APJC operations, fostering an environment of belonging and support. This role involves developing and executing programs that align with Cisco's global DEI objectives, ensuring inclusive practices are embedded throughout the region. Avanti Deshmukh collaborates with various stakeholders to drive impactful change and promote employee engagement. The leadership of Deshmukh is essential for strengthening Cisco's commitment to diversity and inclusion, contributing to a positive and productive workplace culture across APJC.

    Jason Maynard - Cybersecurity Strategic Accounts Field Chief Technology Officer

    Jason Maynard, the Cybersecurity Strategic Accounts Field Chief Technology Officer at Cisco, provides advanced technical leadership and strategic guidance for cybersecurity solutions to key enterprise accounts. Maynard focuses on developing and implementing robust security architectures that protect critical data and infrastructure for Cisco's largest clients. This role involves deep expertise in threat landscapes, risk management, and cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. Jason Maynard collaborates closely with sales teams and clients to address complex security challenges and ensure the effective deployment of Cisco's security portfolio. The strategic insights and technical acumen of Maynard are vital for safeguarding customer assets and reinforcing Cisco's position as a trusted cybersecurity partner.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cisco Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cisco?
    Cisco is led by Kashif UlHaque (Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager), along with executives such as Akash Kothari (Chief of Staff) and Krishnaji Panse (Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies).
    Who is part of Cisco’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cisco includes leaders such as Kashif UlHaque (Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager), Akash Kothari (Chief of Staff), Krishnaji Panse (Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cisco have?
    Cisco has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cisco’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cisco includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer (AFPAK) & Country General Manager, Chief of Staff, Director & Chief Technology Officer -SP APJ -AI and Massive Scale DCs for AI, SP Technologies, Director, Strategy Planning & Cisco Cloud Ai Infrastructure Chief of Staff, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.