John Morgridge, alum and former Cisco CEO, to address Business School grads

Former Cisco CEO and philanthropist JOHN P. MORGRIDGE will address graduates of the Stanford Graduate School of Business during its graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 16. Morgridge, MBA ’57, will be the third alumni speaker to address students at the annual ceremony. The alumni speaker program was inaugurated in 2010 as a means to inspire graduates in their future careers.

“Throughout his career, John has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to combine his entrepreneurial acumen with a broad commitment to improve the health and well-being of people around the world,” said GARTH SALONER, the Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean of the GSB. “He is a role model who proves that, armed with the right tools, our graduates can also change lives, change organizations and change the world.”

Morgridge led Cisco Systems as the company’s second chief executive officer and chairman of its board, helping establish a culture of innovation, empowerment and giving back. He joined Cisco as CEO in 1988 and during his tenure the company grew from $5 million to more than $1 billion in sales, and from 34 to more than 2,250 employees. He took Cisco public in 1990, was appointed chairman in 1995 and became chairman emeritus in 2006.

He continues to champion a range of education and corporate citizenship initiatives and is a guiding force behind the company’s long-term support of basic human needs, responsible citizenship and access to education. Prior to Cisco, Morgridge was president and chief operating officer of GRiD Systems and held senior positions with Stratus Computer and Honeywell Information Systems. Today, he teaches management at the GSB and serves on its Advisory Council.

Read the full announcement on the GSB website.