Manoj Chugh quits Cisco

After serving three years as the India and SAARC region President of Cisco Systems, Manoj Chugh has decided to quit the company. According to sources, Owen Chan, VP (Asia Operations), Cisco Systems, has already taken over the overall responsibility for India and South Asia and would continue till a new president is appointed.

Confirming the report to Cyber News Service, the man who had led the company from the forefront to achieve the highest ever market share for its India operations in 2002-03, said that his decision to quit Cisco was purely personal. 

“Cisco’s market share in the country is at the all time high. Having delivered what I perceived was more of my personal goal-working at a scorching pace for three year, not being able to spend enough quality time with my family-I think it’s the right time for me to sit back and introspect,” he said.

Cisco Systems, the world’s largest Internet gear maker, enjoys the dominant market share in major networking segments such as routers and LAN switches in India. According to the latest National Telecom Survey Report by Voice & Data, the company has been ranked as India’s fifth largest communications equipment provider.

Chugh joined Cisco Systems in May 2000-after his stint with the relatively smaller VSAT and satellite equipment provider Scientific Atlanta, where he was Country Manager for India. During his three-year term in Cisco, Chugh was able to grow the networking company from a total India revenue of Rs 360 crore in 1999-2000, to an a Rs 1109 crore giant during fiscal 2002-03. 

Under his leadership, Cisco Systems was also able to expand its portfolio from selling routers and LAN switches in India to becoming a highly successful new technology company in areas like IP telephony, contact center solutions and wireless LAN.

“At 43, after leading a team of dedicated people who helped me achieve my dream for the company, I have decided to quit and review my work and plan my future career move,” Chugh stressed, adding that the sabbatical would also help him fulfill his responsibilities towards the family and he would have the luxury of spending more time with them.

Chugh also said that while he is evaluating different options, he has not yet decided on his next assignment. “I’m yet to make up my mind,” he said adding that, “I am speaking to my friends and well wishers to gauge the opportunities.”

Shubhendu Parth


(CNS)