Cisco Canada names new president

Oct. 20, 2014 – Bernadette Wightman is the new president of Cisco Canada, replacing Nitin Kawale, who is leaving Cisco after 19 years with the company, including six years as president of Cisco Canada.

 
Wightman is a 15-year Cisco veteran with demonstrated success leading sales organizations in both developed and emerging markets. She brings extensive experience in customer, partner and service provider organizations to the Cisco Canada team. Most recently, Wightman served as the general manager for Cisco in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the other Commonwealth of Independent State countries, where she led the team in a challenging geo-political landscape and built a trusted business platform for the future. Prior to that, Wightman led Channel and Commercial sales for Cisco’s Emerging Theatre, the largest Cisco Commercial theatre outside of the America’s, spanning 84 countries and over 10,000 partners. Her Cisco experience also includes various roles in the U.K. and Ireland, including leading the Partner Organization and working with British Telecom.
 
Wightman replaces Nitin Kawale, who has successfully led Cisco Canada, securing the company’s continued investment in innovation in Canada.
 
“Cisco is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our Canadian operations,” said Alison Gleeson, senior vice-president, Americas, Cisco. “Canada continues to be one of our most successful Cisco country operations and a key centre for R&D and innovation. We thank Nitin for his leadership and congratulate Bernadette as she takes over the reins and brings her perspective to this high-performing team.”