Klein Out as Cisco Channel Chief, Replacement Named

**Editor’s Note: Click here to see which channel people were on the move in June.**

Just a little more than a month after a major shake-up within Cisco’s executive ranks, there’s another that has a direct impact on the channel.

Bruce Klein is stepping down as the leader of the equipment giant’s Worldwide Partner Organization (WPO). He leaves after three years in that post to “pursue opportunities outside of Cisco,” the company said. Incoming leader for Worldwide Sales, Chris Dedicoat, made the announcement Thursday morning.

“We would like to acknowledge Bruce for his great leadership and the significant contribution he has made to Cisco, our customers, and partners during his 11 years with the company. He leaves with our thanks and sincere best wishes,” Cisco said in a prepared statement.

15-year Cisco veteran Wendy Bahr will assume Klein’s role as senior vice president, WPO, effective July 27. She is being promoted from her role as head of the America’s Partner Organization. Bahr has overseen a team of more than 500 employees, and a 23,000 partner-strong ecosystem, with an annual business exceeding $18 billion. Notably, she is the first woman to lead Cisco’s global partner organization.

Before Cisco, Bahr was with Verizon for 10 years, known well to channel watchers as the carrier’s director of enterprise sales. Cisco says the company is in the process of identifying a replacement for Bahr in the Americas.

Incoming CEO Chuck Robbins on June 1 announced a “flatter leadership” structure that included the elimination of jobs belonging to Gary Moore, president and COO, and Rob Lloyd, president of development and sales. Their last days are July 25. Also on her way out is Padma Warrior, CTO and chief strategy officer.

Follow senior online managing editor Craig Galbraith on Twitter.