Cisco announces leadership changes, names Patterson as new CFO
Cisco Systems has revealed key leadership transitions with Scott Herren, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, announcing his decision to retire effective July 26, 2025.
Mark Patterson, currently serving as Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, will take over the role of CFO beginning July 27, 2025. Patterson, who has been with the company for an extensive period, brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and finance, making him a natural successor to Herren.
In addition to the CFO appointment, Cisco also announced that Jeetu Patel will assume the role of President and Chief Product Officer, effective May 14, 2025.
Patel, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, will expand his responsibilities as the company continues to focus on innovation and product development in key growth areas, including AI and cloud technologies.
The leadership changes come at a critical time for Cisco, which recently reported strong quarterly earnings. For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, Cisco posted $14.1 billion in revenue, an 11% year-over-year increase, surpassing analysts’ expectations.
The company also reported a solid performance in the AI infrastructure market, with webscale customers contributing over $600 million in orders, exceeding its target by one quarter.
Scott Herren, who has been with Cisco for a significant period, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory. “Our innovation positions us well for future growth, and our operational discipline is generating strong cash flows, enabling us to deliver significant shareholder returns,” Herren said.
The transition to Patterson as CFO is expected to further strengthen Cisco’s financial management and strategic focus as it continues to navigate the evolving tech landscape.
Cisco has faced significant competition in recent years, but its continued investment in AI and networking solutions has paid off, as evidenced by the growing demand for its products.
“The momentum we are seeing with AI is fueled by the power of our secure networking portfolio, our trusted global partnerships, and the value we bring to our customers,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco.