Cisco global channel boss Bahr to depart

Wendy Bahr to bring 18-year spell at networking giant to an end

Cisco's global channel boss Wendy Bahr is to step down this year after 18 years with the vendor.

Bahr (pictured) joined Cisco in 2000 as SVP of US and Canada channels, and has since held a number of roles working with Cisco's partners.

In a statement, Cisco said that it plans to have a new channel lead appointed by the time of its partner conference, which will be held in Las Vegas in November.

Cisco said: "We respect Wendy's decision to leave Cisco and want to thank her for 18 years of leadership at Cisco, most recently leading our Global Partner Organisation.

"Our partner community is one of our strongest assets and we are committed to their success and helping them evolve with Cisco's transformation."

Bahr has been SVP of Cisco's global partner organisations since 2015, when she was promoted from her previous role of running the Americas partner base.

The exec has been credited with helping to reshape Cisco's partner business as the vendor goes through its transition, and in April told CRN that traditional partners should be looking to evolve their own businesses to embrace emerging technology.

Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins acknowledged Bahr's contributions to Cisco in a tweet that said: "Special thanks to [Wendy Bahr] for all of your great contributions to Cisco.

"We will miss you but we wish you the best in all you do and we will always value our friendship."