Umit Cinali Joins Cisco as General Manager of Cisco Turkey

Technology Veteran to Lead Cisco’s Expansion in Key Market

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Cisco today announced the appointment of Umit Cinali as general manager of Cisco Turkey. Effective Jan. 11, 2010, Mr. Cinali will lead Cisco operations in Turkey, a key priority for the company.

Umit Cinali brings more than 25 years of experience in information and communications technology and telecommunications, having held key positions across the United States and Europe and in Turkey. Mr. Cinali joins Cisco from Exenet, a leading technology consulting, integration and managed services firm specializing in vertical markets, which he developed significantly as CEO and president. Previously he started, led and oversaw the growth of multiple technology companies, including Raychem Corp. in Turkey.

Mr. Cinali has broad experience with technologies that transform businesses, including mobile computing, ICT consolidation and cloud/utility computing, virtualization, information management and governance, unified communications, and managed services. He directed the development and implementation of multiple enterprise-class systems and solutions, marketed directly and through the sales channels of leading global carriers.

Umit Cinali holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Key Facts & Figures:

* Turkey represents a key global priority and growth opportunity for Cisco. In September 2006, Cisco announced a five-year, US $275 million investment initiative in Turkey. This investment plan includes the creation of technology investment initiatives and support for Turkey’s broadband and e-transformation agenda, with a focus on education, health care, and small and medium-sized businesses. The plan incorporates projects to help build a knowledge-based economy, such as the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute, launched together with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in December 2008.
* The Cisco® Networking Academy® program currently has more than 5,400 students in Turkey and 148 Networking Academy sites nationwide. The Networking Academy has provided critical ICT and networking skills training to more than 14,000 students since the program’s inception in the country in 1999.

Supporting Quotes:

* Duncan Mitchell, senior vice president, Cisco Emerging Markets East
“I’m absolutely delighted to appoint Umit Cinali as the general manager of Cisco in Turkey. Turkey is a dynamic and innovative country, and a very important market to us. Cinali’s broad experience across the global ICT industry will make a significant contribution to our ability to be a partner of choice for our customers. Umit will continue to build upon the relationships we have with our key customers and partners in Turkey, ensuring that we support them in their aim of continuing to increase their levels of productivity and competitiveness.”
* Kaan Terzioglu, vice president, Cisco Emerging Markets East
“I would like to welcome Umit to Cisco Turkey. Under his leadership, we will continue to introduce new business models, technologies and talent development and make Cisco relevant for Turkey, and Turkey relevant for Cisco.”
* Umit Cinali
“I have always been impressed with Cisco’s vision, innovation, culture and contributions to countries and societies. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Cisco Turkey team and contribute to the growth and digitization of Turkey. I expect my experience as a user of Cisco products to help our customers and channel partners with the creation of innovative, high-impact information and communications technology solutions.”

Tags, Keywords: Cisco, Turkey, Cisco Networking Academy

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