Cisco announced the appointment of Girish Rishi to its board of directors, effective today, October 9, 2026. The announcement, made from San Jose, California, integrates a seasoned technology executive into the company's leadership as it continues to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
Chuck Robbins, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco, expressed his welcome, highlighting Rishi's track record. Robbins stated that Rishi has assisted numerous complex organizations and industries in leveraging the capabilities of data and AI. This expertise, Robbins noted, would be invaluable as Cisco supplies critical infrastructure for the AI era. Rishi himself acknowledged the current competitive environment, where organizations are intensely focused on transforming data into a competitive advantage using AI. He underscored that this ambition relies on secure, resilient infrastructure—a core offering from Cisco. He also conveyed his honor in joining the board and his eagerness to collaborate with Robbins and the team to help customers fully realize AI's potential.
Rishi brings extensive experience, spanning three decades in leading technology businesses across various domains, including hardware, software, and integrated systems. He currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cognite, an industrial AI firm dedicated to converting data into actionable insights for energy and industrial clients. Additionally, he holds a position as a Senior Advisor to Blackstone. Prior to his tenure at Cognite, Rishi was the Chief Executive Officer of Blue Yonder, a company specializing in supply chain management software and consulting services. His professional background also includes executive leadership roles at several other notable technology companies, such as Tyco International, Zebra Technologies, Motorola Solutions, and Symbol Technologies. In these earlier positions, he was responsible for serving a diverse clientele across both government and commercial sectors.
Beyond his new role at Cisco, Rishi maintains active involvement in other corporate and civic capacities. He has been a director on the board of Insight Enterprises since 2017. Previously, he contributed his expertise to the board of Digi International. Rishi is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, indicating his engagement in international policy discussions. Furthermore, he is an executive board member of the Arizona Commerce Authority, involved in economic development initiatives. His academic qualifications include a master's degree in public policy from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA from the University of Hartford, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Mumbai, reflecting a broad educational foundation supporting his diverse leadership roles.
Cisco, identified as a worldwide technology leader, is actively transforming how organizations connect and protect themselves in the era of artificial intelligence. For over four decades, the company has been instrumental in securely connecting the world. Through its leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco aims to empower its customers, partners, and communities. These efforts are geared towards fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and strengthening digital resilience across various sectors. With a stated purpose at its core, Cisco maintains its commitment to contributing to a future that is more connected and inclusive for everyone.