Cisco confirms Edet as country manager

Cisco Systems has affirmed the appointment of Mr. Richard Edet as the General Manager for Cisco Nigeria.

The firm while announcing this, said that Edet’s appointment is an affirmation of its commitment to the Nigeria market, even as he would drive the company’s active growth strategy in the region.

A press statement to ITRealms Online, Richard’s appointment further reinforces company’s commitment to collaborate with indigenous organizations and local governments in Nigeria to help support plans for accelerated development in information technology (IT) industry, education, labour, human capital development, healthcare and economic reform.

On his appointment, Mr. Richard said he welcome the challenge to further strengthen Cisco’s position as a leader in the ICT sector in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is already established as an excellent place to conduct business as its progressive telecommunications environment is encouraging the nation, and its citizens, to harness the power of the network to increase productivity levels, supporting accelerated GDP growth rates and an ever-higher standard of living” he said.

With more than 16 years’ experience spanning banking, logistics and IT industries, he joined the Cisco Nigerian team in May 2006 where he has held several sales positions which have supported double digit growth over the last four years in the country.

Prior to joining Cisco, Richard was a corporate banker and was involved in several successful start ups. He then moved to the world of IT with a role at Microsoft where he was responsible for the successful launch of the revolutionary ‘Computer for All Nigerians’ Initiative, a collaboration effort between Microsoft and Intel.

He holds an MBA from the University of Lagos and is on the governing board of The African Institute of Business Simulations (AIBS), a non-profit organization, and several other charities.

Commenting on his appointment, Vice President for Cisco Africa Levant Region, Mr Yvon Le Roux, said Nigeria represents a strategic growth opportunity for Cisco as the country continues to initiate and adopt ICT reforms while seeking competitive advantage and productivity gains.

“The appointment of Richard Edet is an important step forward in driving the growth of our business as Cisco expands its footprint in Africa,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D