Key Points
- Girish Rishi appointed to Cisco board of directors effective 9 October 2026
- Rishi serves as chairman and CEO of industrial AI company Cognite
- Appointment strengthens Cisco's AI infrastructure leadership credentials
Cisco has appointed Girish Rishi, chairman and CEO of industrial AI company Cognite, to its board of directors with effect from 9 October 2026, the San Jose-headquartered networking company announced.
Rishi brings three decades of experience leading technology businesses across hardware, software and systems to the board. His appointment comes as Cisco positions itself as a provider of critical infrastructure for organisations adopting artificial intelligence.
“I’m delighted to welcome Girish to Cisco’s board,” said Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins. “He has helped many of the world’s most complex organisations and industries harness the power of data and AI. His expertise will be invaluable as Cisco provides organisations around the world with the critical infrastructure required to lead in the AI era.”
Cognite, where Rishi currently serves as chairman and CEO, is an industrial AI company that helps energy and industrial organisations convert operational data into actionable insights. Rishi also serves as a senior advisor to private equity firm Blackstone.
Industry experience
Prior to Cognite, Rishi served as chief executive officer of Blue Yonder, a provider of supply chain management software and consulting services. He previously held executive leadership positions at Tyco International, Zebra Technologies, Motorola Solutions and Symbol Technologies, where he worked with customers in government and commercial sectors.
“Every organisation is racing to turn its data into a competitive advantage with AI, and that depends on secure, resilient infrastructure, which is exactly what Cisco delivers,” Rishi said. “I’m honoured to join Cisco’s board and look forward to working with Chuck and the team as the company continues to help customers unlock the full potential of AI.”
Rishi currently serves on the board of directors of Insight Enterprises, a position he has held since 2017. He previously served on the board of Digi International, a provider of Internet of Things connectivity products and services.
Beyond his corporate roles, Rishi is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as an executive board member of the Arizona Commerce Authority. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA from the University of Hartford and an undergraduate degree from the University of Mumbai.
The appointment adds to Cisco’s board expertise as the company expands its AI-focused infrastructure offerings. Cisco, which has operated for more than four decades, provides networking, security and collaboration solutions to enterprises and governments worldwide.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is Girish Rishi and what is his background?
Girish Rishi is chairman and CEO of Cognite, an industrial AI company. He has three decades of technology leadership experience, previously serving as CEO of Blue Yonder and holding executive positions at Tyco International, Zebra Technologies, Motorola Solutions and Symbol Technologies.
When does Girish Rishi's appointment to Cisco's board take effect?
The appointment is effective from 9 October 2026.
What expertise does Rishi bring to Cisco's board?
Rishi brings expertise in data and AI, product development, supply chain management and mergers and acquisitions from his three decades leading technology businesses across hardware, software and systems.
What other board positions does Girish Rishi hold?
Rishi serves on the board of directors of Insight Enterprises, a position he has held since 2017. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an executive board member of the Arizona Commerce Authority.
