Chuck Robbins is a seasoned technology executive and the innovative leader driving Cisco’s vision to securely connect everything to make anything possible. He was named Chief Executive Officer in July of 2015, before being elected Chair of the Board on December 11, 2017. During this time, Robbins has driven Cisco’s transformation to redefine the company’s strategic direction and reinforce its position as a global technology powerhouse.
For over 25 years at Cisco, Robbins has demonstrated a keen understanding of the rapidly evolving business landscape and the critical role of technology in addressing both customer and global challenges. The company's recent strategic shift has seen a renewed emphasis on software and services, cloud-native applications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainability, and the advancement of networking – further solidifying Cisco's relevance in the digital era.
His commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace has also played a key role in shaping Cisco's purpose to power an inclusive future for all. Robbins has championed initiatives across the company to enhance employee experience and culture, contributing to Cisco earning the top spot on World’s Best Workplaces, Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, People’s Companies that Care, and various other lists throughout his tenure.
Prior to becoming CEO, Robbins led Cisco’s global sales organization. He also held various leadership roles in regional sales, as well as Cisco’s partner organization, where he was instrumental in building one of the industry’s most robust partner programs.
Outside of his work at Cisco, Robbins is the current Chair of the Business Roundtable; on the Board of Directors for BlackRock; a Board of Trustees member for the Ford Foundation; Chairman Emeritus of the US-Japan Business Council; a Member of the International Business Council for the World Economic Forum; a Member of the American Heart Association’s CEO Roundtable; a member of the 2019 class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and Vice Chair on the Corporate Fund Board for the Kennedy Center.
Beyond the boardroom, Robbins is also known for his passion for philanthropy and giving back, particularly in STEM, homelessness, and connecting the unconnected – all supporting his belief in the transformative power of technology. He also balances his professional responsibilities with a strong commitment to his personal life, whether spending quality time with his family, pursuing his love of the outdoors by fishing or golfing, or cheering on his Alma Mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2022. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Georgia Tech University in December of 2023.
