Cisco has appointed Clayton Naidoo as its new general manager of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Naidoo replaces Cathy Smith, who was recently appointed managing director of SAP Africa.
According to Naidoo, one of his immediate goals is to build a sustainable and diverse partner eco-system.
In today's environment and dynamic market, partners need to work together to best deliver business outcomes and drive digital transformation as no one can go it alone, he notes.
"Cisco was one of the first technology companies to build a channel. Decades later, we remain committed to being partner-led. As Cisco has expanded, so has our partner community. Now, just like our customers, partner needs and sales motions are changing too.
"To keep up with pace of change and digital transformation, partners have to change the conversation, who they sell to and how they work together to deliver business outcomes. Together, partners can integrate, build, provide and sell the solutions, software and services their customers need."
He also aims to invest in Cisco's people to create scale and work with government across Sub-Saharan Africa on digitisation acceleration programmes.
In his new role, Naidoo will report to David Meads, vice-president for Africa and Middle East for Cisco.
"Clayton Naidoo's appointment is opportune as Cisco builds momentum at the forefront of digital transformation efforts for governments and businesses in Africa," says Meads.
"There is huge potential for the region to reap benefits from helping customers and partners create value in a connected, digital world; unlocking new revenue streams; delivering better customer and citizen service; and creating employment."
Naidoo was most recently head of digital transformation at Cisco, with a particular focus on the public sector and large enterprise clients.
He joined Cisco in 2007 as a channel service account manager and was appointed as regional sales manager for enterprise solutions shortly after that.
Prior to joining Cisco, he spent two years as an account executive at the Learning Resources Group, a management consulting and learning services organisation, where his main task was organisational performance and business development.
Naidoo holds a master in business administration and a diploma in advanced management.
"Being able to make an internal appointment is in line with Cisco's philosophy to grow and recognise talent. It is also credit to Clayton's broad understanding and experience at Cisco, having previously managed channel, sales and the public sector portfolio," concludes Meads.
Share