Cisco has announced that it has appointed David Meads Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Romania, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). He succeeded Reem Asaad, who drove Cisco’s business in the region for more than four years.
In this role, Meads will be responsible for Cisco’s strategy and commercial operations, focusing on empowering customers and partners to harness the full potential of digital technologies for economic growth and societal benefit.
He will continue in his current capacity as Cisco’s Chief Executive in the UK and Ireland until the end of Cisco’s fiscal year (July 2024).
With three decades of experience across multiple business functions and geographies, including the Middle East and Africa, Meads brings deep industry and technology expertise.
“It is great to welcome David back to the region. He is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving business growth, developing high-performing teams and spearheading technology initiatives that have a true impact on nations and industries alike,” said Oliver Tuszik, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Cisco in a press note shared by the team.
Tuszik added, “David’s strategic vision and deep understanding of customers’ and partners’ needs will be instrumental in guiding Cisco’s next growth phase and supporting the region’s digital advancement.”
Meads began his career with Cisco in 1996 and has held various leadership positions, including Chief Executive of Cisco UK & Ireland since 2019.
Before that, as VP of Cisco’s EMEA Partner Organisation, he developed strategic initiatives to help manage and support partners representing the company’s primary route to market.
“I am equally honoured and excited for the opportunity to drive Cisco’s business in this vibrant and diverse region. It holds tremendous potential, and with our incredible teams and unmatched ecosystem of partners, we are well positioned to empower our customers and contribute to accelerating national digital agendas within the region,” said Meads.
Meads also spent 10 years in the Middle East and Africa, leading Cisco’s business in the region and previously in Africa and South Africa, where he was instrumental in partnering with governments and businesses to build the technology skills and ecosystems that drive economic growth.
