Cisco appoints Rodrigo Abreu as Country Manager for Brazil

Cisco is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodrigo Abreu as country manager for Cisco Brazil, effective December 15. Mr. Abreu joined Cisco three years ago and has proven to be a strong leader with keen business acumen. Over the last two years as regional manager for the Cansac region, Abreu has delivered impressive results driving significant growth in FY08.

Rodrigo Abreu will replace Pedro Ripper, who has decided to join one of Brazil’s leading service providers, after five years with Cisco. Ripper will work closely with Abreu over the next thirty days to ensure a smooth transition.

“Under Rodrigo’s leadership we will continue our strategy of collaborating with governments, industry and leaders across Latin America to promote digital inclusion, drive economic growth and enhance the competitiveness and productivity of countries and companies alike by taking advantage of technology and its benefits,” stated Jaime Vallés, vice president, Latin America. “In fact, we will increase our focus and activity further with the establishment of the Brazil Country Board in the first quarter of 2009 in collaboration with the Government and private institutions and to serve as advisors in the development of the country’s ICT Agenda.”

With this appointment Cisco seeks to take advantage of Abreu’s expertise in growing operations and take Brazil to an even higher level. Prior to joining Cisco, Rodrigo Abreu was president and managing director for Nortel Networks Brazil. Before that, he was the CEO of Promon Tecnologia in Brazil. Mr. Abreu is an electrical engineer from the State University of Campinas, Brazil, and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“I want to thank Pedro Ripper for his commitment to Cisco over the past 5 years and for building a strong team and delivering solid performance in Brazil. We are very fortunate to be able to maintain a close relationship with Pedro, who will be able to add value in his new business environment through his very professional approach,” stated Vallés. “We wish him the best of luck in his new position. I am confident about the opportunities going forward. Brazil is a strategic priority for the company and a vibrant and important market for Cisco.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time with Cisco, and I am thankful for what I have learned with the company. I’m extremely proud of the growth we have achieved, and the strong team I have built,” stated Pedro Ripper. “However, I am ready for a new challenge in my professional life, where I can keep adding value to Brazil’s economy from a new and different perspective. I am committed to working closely with Rodrigo to ensure a seamless transition.”