Cisco Further Boosts Channel in The Middle East with New Regional Channel Manager

Tarek Ghoul brings to his new post 11 years of ICT experience in the Middle East, North Africa and India

Dubai, UAE, February 7 th, 2005 – Cisco Systems today announced the appointment of Tarek Ghoul, a seasoned Middle East ICT professional, as Regional Channel Manager for the Middle East and Pakistan in a move that reinforces the company's commitment to its Channel Partners and the central role they play in helping Cisco customers benefit from powerful networking solutions

Ghoul, who has worked in the information and communications technology field for the past 11 years, has held senior business development and managerial positions with several multinational networking and IT services companies including Schlumberger and 3Com.

"With his expertise in delivering business solutions to customers in the Middle East and beyond, I am confident Tarek will provide dynamic direction to country channel managers as he works closely with them and our channel partners to ensure the implementation of the 'Intelligent Information Network', Cisco's technology vision and roadmap for the evolution of networks to systems, at customer sites," said Ghazi Atallah, General Manager, Cisco Systems Middle East & Pakistan.

"Top priorities for Tarek will be to evolve the Channel Program to deliver revenue growth and enhance capabilities in advanced technologies and solutions strategies for partners. In addition, Tarek will continuously develop and execute programs to enhance partner profitability and productivity," Atallah added.

During his career, Ghoul has worked in a variety of markets including India, the Middle East and North Africa, where he helped budding start-ups and facilitated improvements in regional business practices.

Speaking about his appointment, Ghoul said, "I am delighted to be joining Cisco Systems, which prides itself on building exceptionally strong relationships with its channel partners. This has been a key ingredient in Cisco's success over the years in delivering solutions to meet the ever-growing networking needs of organizations of all sizes. I look forward to carrying on this tradition in the competitive and dynamic markets of the Middle East, where this channel collaboration is particularly important."

The Cisco Channel Partner Program provides participants with tools, training and resources to deliver industry-leading quality solutions to networking customers, while ensuring channel partner profitability through improved productivity and return-on-investment.