Networking giant Cisco on Tuesday appointed Jaime Valleìs as the company’s new leader for Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China (APJC) region.

Earlier, Valleìs was the senior vice-president of Cisco’s Latin America theater and has a strong track record of success in emerging countries, turning Latin America into one of Cisco’s fastest growing regions after he joined the company in 2007. With more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Valleìs brings to APJC a broad understanding of Cisco’s strategic direction and unique experience in effectively driving growth in both developed and emerging countries.

“Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China represent a huge opportunity for future growth and innovation for Cisco. This internal appointment demonstrates the great strength and depth of Cisco leadership across the world. Jaime has experience, passion and outstanding skill in building and leading teams, creating and executing strategic business plans and forging strong relationships built on trust and integrity,” said Rob Lloyd, Executive Vice-President, Worldwide Operations, Cisco.

Prior to Cisco, Valleìs was president of Sun Microsystems Latin America for seven years, and president of Sun Microsystems Mexico before that. He held senior positions at IBM.

Valleìs takes over from Edzard Overbeek who was recently appointed head of Cisco’s Global Services business. Owen Chan will remain chairman and CEO of Cisco’s Greater China theater.

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