Cisco appoints David Meads as chief executive for UK & Ireland

Meads, who will take on the role of Chief Executive for UK & Ireland with immediate effect in place of Scot Gardner, has over 30 years’ experience in ICT, having joined Cisco in 1996.

Gardner, meanwhile, will go on to lead strategy and sales within Cisco’s Global Specialists team.

Meads comes into the role having previously led the Partner Organisation for Cisco in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia (EMEAR), developing initiatives in order to support representatives of the company’s primary market route.

Prior to this, he spent a decade working in other leadership roles for Cisco within the Middle East and Africa. This followed leadership roles in South Africa, and then Cisco’s entire African outlet.

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“Technology has the power to help the UK and Ireland accelerate its digital future to advance cultural, economic and social development,” said Meads. “Leading one of the world’s most relevant technology companies, in one of the most ambitious technology driven nations, is a privilege.

“I’m excited to work with our partners, customers, government and employees to help continue to build an inclusive, digital future for both the UK and Ireland.”

The UK market is proving to be a high area of priority for Cisco, with the company at a pivotal point in transformation and looking to help the region improve its current ranking of 13th in digital readiness.

There are currently over 4,000 IT partners of Cisco in the UK, each representing over 20,000 people who provide services to customers.

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Aaron Hurst

Aaron Hurst is Information Age's senior reporter, providing news and features around the hottest trends across the tech industry.