Cisco's APJC executive team has a new leader

Cisco has appointed a new president and chairman for its Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China operations.

Dave West is officially the new president, and Irving Tan is chairman for the company's business in the region.

West is taking over from Miyuki Suzuki, who has decided to retire after a career spanning nearly four decades.

West has been with Cisco for 20 years and held various leadership roles during that period.

Most recently, he was the head of Cisco Japan, where he launched the Japan Country Digitisation initiative, built important strategic alliances with key Japanese companies, and drove sustained growth in the region.

Prior to that, West held global leadership roles in Cisco, including leading worldwide Enterprise Networking and Security sales.

He has also led Cisco's technology business in Asia-Pacific and Japan and served as the chief technology officer for the region.

Cisco states that West has spearheaded various key initiatives, designed and implemented innovative go-to-market models, and led multi-year digital transformations for customers.

Meanwhile, Tan is moving back to Singapore after spending three years in the United States, where he was the executive vice president and chief of operations.

During his time running Operations, Tan led a transformation and managed effectively through several global challenges, most recently leading many of Cisco's COVID-19 pandemic response efforts.

Before moving to the US, Tan held multiple leadership roles in Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China, including leading the region.

He grew the business consistently during his four-year tenure and advanced Cisco's position.

Tan will partner with West and his leadership team on special projects to drive growth across the region.

Commenting on his appointment, West says, "We are witnessing a major shift in the way businesses operate with technology driving the change. Home to some of the fastest growing and diverse economies in the world, Asia is leading the charge on this front.

"As a global leader in networking, collaboration, and cybersecurity, we are committed to working with our customers and partners to accelerate their digital transformation so they are ready for the future and can fully leverage the growth opportunities that are opening up.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead our business in this dynamic region and am looking forward to building on our success."

Cisco executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer Gerri Elliott says, "During his 20 years at Cisco, most recently as the head of Japan, Dave has demonstrated a strong understanding of the region, a great talent for recognising and maximising market trends and transitions, and the ability to motivate teams and drive growth.

"He's the right leader at the right time. I am delighted that Irving is taking on the role of chairman for APJC. His experience on the Executive Leadership Team, and as a former leader of APJC, will be invaluable to our efforts to drive sustained growth in the region."

Elliott also commented on Suzuki's contribution to the company.

He says, "I also want to thank Miyuki for her immeasurable contributions to our customers, partners, and teams, and to me personally. She's a tremendous leader, leaves a great legacy behind, and I'm looking forward to partnering with Dave to build on that great foundation."

Currently based in Tokyo, West will relocate to Cisco's Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China headquarters in Singapore.