Every company today is going through a transformation and Cisco is no different. I believe that what has helped us throughout has been the power of communications – frequent, authentic and transparent communications. This principle is incredibly important to me both internally and externally and has served us well. I am incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished for our customers and communities around the world, and we are honored to share the work that we do.
Today, I was thrilled to announce to the Cisco team that Stella Low will be joining Cisco as our new SVP and Chief Communications Officer. Stella is an exceptional communicator and leader and will serve as a member of my Executive Leadership Team. Given the strategic importance of communications in this digital age and our belief in transparency, how and when we share our story will be a key factor in our future, the success of our customers, and the impact we will have around the world.
Below is the note I shared with our team at Cisco. I am so honored to welcome Stella to the team.
Hi Team,
You’ve heard me say many times how proud I am of what we have accomplished together over the past few years. We have driven game-changing innovation for our customers, evolved our business model and made Cisco a top place to work all around the world. We have an incredible story – shaped by all of you – which is why I’m excited to welcome Stella Low, our new SVP and Chief Communications Officer (CCO), to Cisco and my Executive Leadership Team.
I’m particularly excited for Stella to join our team, not only because of her breadth of expertise in technology communications, but also for her passion for great storytelling, building strong communities and her inclusive, solutions-oriented approach. She knows that the best teams are diverse teams that come together to drive business results and success for our people.
Stella joins us most recently from Dell Technologies where she served as SVP and head of global communications after Dell’s acquisition of EMC. She had previously served as EMC’s head of communications and, prior to that, led EMEA PR and Communications for EMC. She has held various marketing and communications roles in both large and small companies as well as founded her own communications firm.
As our new CCO, Stella will be responsible for shaping our story and reputation in the market. She and the communications team will drive one connected story spanning our business, our technology and our culture with an emphasis on simplicity and innovation. It is critical that we are able to share our strategy and our story both internally and externally, and Stella will be focused on impactful ways to share the great work that we do.
Originally from the UK, Stella has been working her way west. After moving from London to Boston six years ago, Stella and her husband and daughter are relocating to the Bay Area along with their two toy poodles, Pebbles and Bam Bam.
I’m thrilled that Stella will be joining us starting today. I am confident she will be an incredibly valuable member of our team and I look forward to her expertise and counsel. Please join me in welcoming Stella to Cisco, and thank you, as always, for all that you do for Cisco!
Chuck
You said, "…how and when we share our story will be a key factor in our future, the success of our customers, and the impact we will have around the world."
We know from independent market research that more CEOs are sharing your appreciation for Strategic Communications and Commercial Storytelling. Frankly, it doesn't matter what you call it (e.g. Thought Leadership, etc), but it really matters that it's truly meaningful and substantive.
I'll look forward to Ms. Low's narrative development at Cisco.