John Chambers is Chairman and CEO of Cisco. Since Jan 1995, when John became President & CEO, he has grown the company from US$1.2 billion in annual revenues to its current run-rate of
approximately US$24.8 billion.
Chambers has been lauded by government leaders and countless publications worldwide for his visionary
strategy, his ability to drive an entrepreneurial culture, and his warm-hearted, straight-talking approach.
In January 2006, Chambers was named the Best CEO in America in the “Telecommunications, Data
Networking” category by Institutional Investor magazine, and in February he was awarded the prestigious
Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award from the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy
(CECP), an international forum of more than 120 CEOs and board chairpersons focused on corporate
philanthropy.
In November 2005, Chambers accepted the prestigious Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) from
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for Cisco’s co-sponsorship of the Jordan Education Initiative, on which
Cisco has worked in partnership with his Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and the World Economic Forum.
He has spearheaded several other key educational efforts, most recently the 21st Century Schools (21S)
initiative, to improve education and opportunity for children in the Gulf Coast Region affected by Hurricane
Katrina.
He is a two-time winner of the "Best Investor Relations by a CEO" award by Barrons and IR Magazines, and
he received the prestigious "Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship" from the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution. He has received numerous other awards
including the 2005 International Partner award from the California Israel Chamber of Commerce, the
Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement award, and the Presidential Award: Ron Brown Award for Corporate
Leadership from the Business Council. Chambers was also named "The Most Influential CEO" in
telecommunications by Institutional Investor magazine and "The Most Influential Person in Communications"
by Telecom Magazine. San Jose Magazine voted Chambers “Man of the Year” in 2005.
Chambers has served two American presidents; most currently as Vice Chairman of the President George
Bush National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). On this committee, he provides industry experience
and leadership to help protect the critical infrastructure of the United States. He served on President Bush's
Transition Team, Education Committee, and has previously served on President Bill Clinton's Trade Policy
Committee.
Chambers joined Cisco in 1991 as senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Operations. Prior to joining
Cisco, he spent eight years at Wang Laboratories and six years with IBM. He holds a law degree and a
bachelor of science/bachelor of arts degree in business from West Virginia University. He later received a
masters of business administration degree in finance and management from Indiana University. He is
married and has two adult children.
To learn more about John Chambers' vision, click here
S S Mehta Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry
During his 41 years of Army Service the General Officer has held numerous command and staff assignments. He was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Planning and Systems) and General Officer Commanding in Chief, Army Training Command. Before retiring from the Army in January 2004 he held the prestigious appointment of General Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Command.
He was the Services Member of the National Task Force on Information Technology.
Was also the Army member of the Group of Minister’s Task Force on Review of Defense Management. He chaired the Army study on Logistics for the 21st Century.
Is on the Advisory Board of the Foundation for Liberal and Management Education (FLAME), Pune.
Is on the Advisory Board of Institute of Engineering and Biotechnology, Chandigarh.
Is a member of Board of Governors, Yadavindra Public Schools.
Is the Co-chair of the US - India and UK – India High Technology Cooperation Group.
Is a member of the UGC standing committee on Public Policy.
Is also a member of the National Knowledge Commission working group on Vocational Education.
Is also a Vice Chairperson of the Sarvodaya International Trust – New Delhi Chapter.
Is a member of the Board of Trustees on National Foundation for Corporate Governance, and Skills Development Initiative, and The Aspen India Institute.
Is the Managing Trustee of Tresath League, a Trust formed by ex-servicemen of 63 Cavalry.
Was a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) from July 2004 - July 2006.
He was also a Principal Adviser to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 11th March 2004 to 30th April 2006. In his capacity as Principal Adviser, CII, he headed the Skills Development and Information Risk Management Initiatives and provided oversight in IT, ITES, Telecom, Broadband and Business Process Association sectors.
On May 11, 2006 he assumed the charge as Director General, CII.
