Cisco, which leads the world in internet networks, has appointed Jordi Botifoll as senior vice-chairman of EMEAR (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia) for the south region which includes France, Italy, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Malta.

Until last July Mr Botifoll was vice-chairman for the Mediterranean region, which included all the countries mentioned above with the exception of France, which was added after the re-organisation carried out by the company at the start its financial year 2012. The new structure resulted in the creation of EMEAR, where Europe consisted of the south region, the north region, the central region, emerging markets, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Cisco said Mr Botifoll was elected to this post in view of the continuing success of his management, his considerable vision of the future, and his capacity to effect change and inspire his teams. In spite of the difficult economic environment in which he had to carry forward his work, the employees of the region under his leadership have the best motivation ratios of the company. Similarly, he stands out in terms of his exceptional relations with clients based on mutual respect and loyalty.

Mr Botifoll started to work at Cisco in 1999 as director general in Spain, achieving business growth of over 100 per cent during the first year. In 2000 he was appointed director general of Cisco in Spain and Portugal and, three years later, he became vice-chairman of the Mediterranean region.

Throughout his career, he has been awarded prizes by Cisco and other organisations for his work. He is also a member of numerous management committees and associations.