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John Chambers Biography
John Chambers is president and CEO of Cisco Systems. Since January 1995, when he assumed this position, Chambers 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.
Recently Chambers has spearheaded several key global initiatives, including co-sponsorship of the Jordan Education Initiative, in partnership with his Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and the World Economic Forum. In March, 2004, for the second time, Chambers was given the "Best Investor Relations by a CEO" award by Barrons and IR Magazines, and in April he received the prestigious "Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship" from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution. Recently, Chambers was also named "The Most Influential CEO" in telecommunications by Institutional Investor magazine and "The Most Influential Person in Communications" by Telecom Magazine. He has received numerous other awards including the Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement award and the Presidential Award: Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership from the Business Council.
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 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.