John Chambers President and Chief Executive Officer, Cisco Systems

John Chambers is President and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader of networking for the Internet. Since January 1995 when he assumed this position, Chambers has grown the company from $1.2 billion in annual revenues to its current run-rate of approximately $20 billion.

Chambers has been lauded by government leaders and countless publications for his visionary strategy, his ability to drive an entrepreneurial culture, and his warm-hearted, straight-talking approach. Widely recognized for his evangelistic style, Chambers is considered one of the most innovative and dynamic leaders in global business today.

In June 2001, Chambers was awarded the American Society for Training and Development award for Champion of Workplace Learning and Performance. Chambers was given the award for his advocacy, commitment, and actions that affirm the value of workplace learning and performance. In December 2000, Chambers was selected to serve on President George W. Bush's transition team as a member of his Education Committee. In this role, he shared his expertise with the new administration and provided guidance on a broad range of policy matters related to Education. In November 2000, Upside Magazine ranked John Chambers as number six on the list of high tech's top 100 high rollers for 1999. Chambers was recently named "CEO of the Year" by Chief Executive magazine and his peers. ABC's 20/20 spotlighted Chambers as "The Best Boss in America" and Time Digital placed him among the top 10 most influential leaders shaping technology today. Recently, the Industry Standard rated Chambers as one of the most influential people in the Internet Economy. In April 2000, Worth Magazine named him the #2 CEO in America. Chambers was also awarded the Internet Industry Leader Award for 2000 by the United States Internet Council. In 1999, Business Week named Chambers "Mr. Internet," one of the most influential people in e-business and one of the top 25 executives worldwide.

Cisco is proud to play a key role in shaping the Internet Economy. Using Internet applications, Cisco realizes tremendous productivity benefits and cost savings. In 1997, Cisco conducted one-third of the world's electronic commerce. In May, 91 percent of Cisco's orders - that's over $47 million per day - were transacted over the Internet.

In 2001, Fortune listed Cisco as the #3 best place to work and the #2 most admired company in America. The Sunday Times rated Cisco Systems the #1 company to work for in the United Kingdom. Network World recently rated Cisco as one of the "10 most powerful companies in networking."

Chambers joined Cisco in 1991 as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Operations. He was a member of former President Clinton's Committee for Trade Policy. Prior to joining Cisco, Chambers spent eight years at Wang Laboratories and six years with IBM. Chambers holds a J.D. degree and B.S./B.A. degree in business from West Virginia University. He later received an MBA degree in finance and management from Indiana University.