Yvette Kanouff, SVP and GM of Cisco Systems' Service Provider division has left the company to pursue her dream of advising executive boards on emerging technologies, the company has announced.
Kanouff was previously responsible for Cisco's service provider business after joining the firm as in 2014 as SVP and GM of its SP Video Software and Solutions Group. However, this part of Cisco's operation was sold to private equity firm Permira earlier this year. She was appointed the role of SVP and GM of Cisco's Service Provider division in March 2016.
"My next phase, which I have been thinking for years, is about being able to make an impact on boards and nurturing new industries and technologies," she wrote. "I start my first board seat this month, and I have an opportunity to work with many startups and companies. It is certainly a bit scary to make such a big change, but it is incredibly exciting."
Before joining Cisco, Kanouff had various leadership roles in the telecoms industry, including EVP of engineering and technology at Cablevision, president of SeaChange international and director of interactive technology at Time Warner.
Although she hasn't revealed which board she'll be joining, she has suggested it will be for a startup or she will be working closely with startups to advise on business strategy.
"We appreciate Yvette's leadership of our Service Provider business over the past four years and wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter," Cisco said in a statement.
Jonathan Davidson, SVP and GM of Cisco's Service Provider Networking unit will take over Kanouff's role, although it’s not clear whether this is a long-term or short-term strategy.
