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Francine Katsoudas

Executive Vice President

Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer

As Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer at Cisco, Francine Katsoudas brings together people and technology to drive positive impact for the company and global communities. Her work advances Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, and her leadership on critical policy and social issues has forged strategic public-private partnerships addressing some of the world's most pressing concerns. In her role at Cisco, Fran leads a global team spanning People and Communities, Sustainability, Social Impact and Inclusion, Government Affairs and Policy, Workplace Resources, and Cisco's Digital Impact Office - all on a mission to put Cisco's Purpose into practice while driving growth for Cisco's business, people, and communities. During her 29 years at the company, Fran has led large-scale organizational transformations, cultivated new generations of leaders, and stewarded Cisco's renowned employee-first conscious culture. Fran has supported underrepresented groups since her youth, and today focuses her advocacy on women's leadership, homeless youth, and narrowing the digital divide. Fran is also Cisco's executive country sponsor for Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and India. She has been recognized on the Forbes and Know Your Value 50 Over 50 list, honoring female leaders and entrepreneurs who are breaking new ground. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for ADP and for Global Citizen as Co-Chair. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Fran lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two children.

Articles

December 18, 2024

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Cisco’s FY24 Purpose Report: Looking back while looking ahead

4 min read

As the world enters the intelligent age and Cisco enters its fifth decade, we have an incredible opportunity to drive ethical, responsible, and sustainable leadership – and to bring others along with us. The ability to access and leverage digital technologies is becoming more critical as AI develops. Technology is now a foundational pillar for […]

October 28, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Leading through learning with Cisco 360 Partner Program

4 min read

Digital skill-building is how we will advance and architect the rapid evolution of our information and communications technology (ICT) industry, where 92% of roles are expected to transform due to AI. Digital skills are also our best line of defense to address the global gap in cyber readiness and the shortage of 4.6 million cyber professionals which puts our world's digital ecosystem at risk.

July 31, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs

4 min read

Making AI a force for good for our people, and not a threat — A new report provides practical suggestions for targeted training programs and skills for 47 different information and communication technology roles.

July 22, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Our Shared Responsibility: Africa’s Cybersecurity Imperative

4 min read

We have a shared responsibility to embed cybersecurity at the core of our digital strategies, and we look forward to the opportunity to enhance cyber resilience in Africa—a continent on the brink of a remarkable digital transformation.

June 20, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

The LA28 Games – Together

3 min read

Cisco’s LA28 partnership will push the boundaries of possibility through the lens of sport while embodying our company purpose to power a more inclusive future.

June 17, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Co-innovating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities

4 min read

For three years now, we have been sowing seeds of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration to help Black leaders prepare to thrive in the AI era. We are committed to co-innovating with HBCUs to create lasting change, and building an inclusive future for all.

June 7, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium Expands to G7 Countries

3 min read

The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium seeks to ensure that workers around the globe are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven future. We are collaborating with G7 governments on an Inclusive Global Action Plan for AI to to benefit women, underrepresented communities, and developing countries. 

May 29, 2024

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

A Year of Opportunity: Our Role in Empowering Global Progress

3 min read

Cisco’s Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer outlines Cisco’s work to champion inclusive futures, promote positive engagement in democratic processes, and advocate for tech policies that will power global progress.