Cisco Names Linksys Head 627225Cisco Names Linksys Head 627225

IRVINE, Calif. -- LinksysR, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., theleading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer, SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and small business environments, today announced that J. Michael Pocock has been appointed to the position of Linksys senior vice president and general manager. Victor Tsao and Janie Tsao, Linksys founders who have shared this SVP/GM role since 2003, will now focus their efforts on new opportunities in China for Cisco.

In his new role, Pocock will oversee worldwide Linksys operations, sales, marketing, human resources, training, customer advocacy and all product development and engineering. Pocock will focus his efforts on leading Linksys' strategy in the consumer and small business markets, while continuing to expand into new markets and grow the business on a world wide basis.

Pocock most recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Polaroid Corporation, a world leader in instant camera and film products. Pocock joined Polaroid in 2003 and during his tenure, Polaroid become the world's top seller of portable DVD players and entered MP3 handheld and plasma TV markets. Prior to taking the position at Polaroid, Pocock served in leadership roles at Xerox Corporation, Epson, Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq and General Electric. Pocock will report into Charles Giancarlo, Cisco SVP, chief development officer and Linksys president.

"This is an ideal time to have Michael Pocock join the Linksys Division of Cisco Systems. In an era when technology is revolutionizing the way we enjoy and interact with music, television, and games, and communicate, manage and share personal information, his experience and leadership in the consumer space will help take Cisco to the next level in the global home networking market," said Charles H. Giancarlo, chief development officer and president of Linksys. "We were privileged to have the founders of Linksys, Janie and Victor Tsao, on our leadership team as we made great strides in the innovation of home networking over the past few years. Now we have the opportunity to leverage their entrepreneurial talent in a new businesscapacity as they transition to business development roles in China."

"It is an exciting opportunity to be able to lead the Linksys team," said Michael Pocock, Linksys SVP and GM. "Linksys is widely respected in the consumer channel with its strong reputation for being an easy company to do business with and for bringing high-quality and innovative products quickly to market. This is the kind of company that can continue to make a difference in the way people communicate and access information and I am honored to carry on the tradition that Victor and Janie have built over the past 18 years."

Linksys

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