Cisco has appointed David Meads (pictured) as the new Vice President of its Middle East and Africa operations. Meads, in this newly created role, will oversee the execution of the company’s strategy in these two regions, ensuring the technology leader maintains its momentum at the forefront of digital transformation efforts.
Meads says he is looking forward to taking on the additional responsibility of such a fast-evolving, dynamic region. He said:
"Combined, the Middle East and Africa region has the world's youngest demographic and presents a significant market opportunity, where new business models and innovative technology adoption are addressing unique market needs. Cisco's expansive portfolio allows us to partner with our customers and support their digital journey."
With more than 30 years' experience in the IT industry, Meads joined Cisco in 1996 and was most recently Cisco's VP for Africa, where he was responsible for partnering with organisations across the continent to help them implement strategies to unlock the full potential of the digital era. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor to enterprises and governments, partnering with them to deliver competitive advantages and efficiencies gained by adopting digital technologies. Meads will be based in Dubai, Cisco's hub for the Middle East.
A veteran business leader, Meads has held various leadership positions within Cisco, including a three-year stint as MD for South Africa. During this time, he achieved exceptional levels of employee engagement within the organisation and helped the country develop its e-skills initiative, aimed at harnessing the power of technology for inclusive socio-economic development.
Cisco has longstanding government partnerships across the Middle East and Africa, including a Country Digitization Acceleration (CDA) program with Saudi Arabia, with several other similar programmes in the pipeline. In addition, Cisco is working closely with relevant government entities in the region on multiple initiatives that support IT skills training and education, as well as the development of entrepreneurship, business and innovation ecosystems.
