Francine Katsoudas

Francine Katsoudas is Cisco's Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer. In this role, she oversees critical functions that instill Cisco’s conscious culture, contribute to the company’s overall performance, and advance Cisco’s purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All.

As head of the People, Policy, and Purpose Organization, Fran leads an ecosystem comprised of people and communities, sustainability, social impact, government affairs and policy, workplace resources, and country digital acceleration. This strategic alignment of functions and expertise ensures holistic care for the well-being of Cisco’s people, establishes Cisco as a trusted and valued partner to governments and global leaders, and extends Cisco’s reach to positively impact communities everywhere in alignment with the company purpose.

Katsoudas has extensive experience leading organizational transformations, driving large scale growth, cultivating successful leaders and teams, and constructing an employee-first culture. Prior to her current role, she served as HR business partner to the Engineering leadership team, and held positions in the service provider, HR operations, customer service, acquisition integration, and services groups. Prior to Cisco, Katsoudas worked in both the financial and professional services industries with a focus on customer service and operations.

She has been recognized on the Forbes and Know Your Value 50 Over 50 list, honoring dynamic female leaders and entrepreneurs. She serves on the Board of Directors for Global Citizen and ADP.

Passionate about social justice, Katsoudas is an activist and advocate for a variety of causes close to her heart, particularly women’s leadership, homeless youth, and the Latino community. She is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley.