Chambers to retire as Robbins picked as new Cisco boss

Operations chief Chuck Robbins will assume top job in July

Cisco has announced that operations chief Chuck Robbins will succeed John Chambers as the company's chief executive.

Robbins (pictured) will take the reins on 26 July, bringing to an end Chambers' 20-year spell in charge of the networking giant. Chambers revealed as far back as 2012 that he intended to retire within a two- to four-year timeframe, and claimed there were as many as 10 strong internal candidates to succeed him - including Robbins.

Having joined 17 years ago, the incoming CEO currently serves Cisco as its senior vice president of worldwide operations. He is also joining the boardroom set-up as of this week, where the outgoing chief executive will continue to serve as chairman.

"This is the perfect time for Chuck Robbins to become Cisco's next chief executive officer. We've selected a very strong leader at a time when Cisco is in a very strong position," said Chambers. "Chuck is unique in his ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution, bringing together teams and ecosystems to drive results. Chuck knows every Cisco segment, technology area, and geography, and will move the company forward with the speed required to capitalise on the opportunities in front of us."

Robbins added: "I joined Cisco 17 years ago because I wanted to be a part of a company where I believed the possibilities were limitless. Today, I am even more convinced that Cisco is that company. Over the past 20 years, John Chambers' vision and leadership have built Cisco into one of the most important companies in the world; a company fiercely committed to delivering for its customers, shareholders, partners, and employees. The opportunity that lies ahead for Cisco is enormous, and the ability to lead this next chapter is deeply humbling and incredibly exhilarating."