Carrie Palin, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Cisco, stands as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership in the tech industry. As a key member of Cisco's Executive Leadership Team, Palin spearheads the company's marketing endeavors with a focus on fueling growth and impact in the market while championing Cisco's purpose of 'powering an inclusive future for all.'
With a career steeped in enterprise marketing within the technology sector, Palin brings a wealth of experience to her role at Cisco. Prior to joining the company, she held significant positions at renowned organizations such as Splunk, SendGrid (acquired by Twilio), Box, and IBM. Her journey from leading enterprise marketing organizations to becoming a pivotal figure at Cisco reflects resilience, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Palin's leadership at Cisco is marked by notable achievements, including the transformation of Cisco.com into a globally recognized digital experience. This overhaul not only reflects Cisco's commitment to customer success but also demonstrates Palin's strategic mindset in leveraging digital platforms to connect with diverse audiences.
Under her guidance, Cisco's marketing efforts transcend traditional metrics, focusing on amplifying purpose and driving positive change. Palin understands that a brand's impact extends beyond products and services—it shapes culture, empowers communities, and drives change. With this perspective, she leads initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech industry, actively advocating for Women in Technology through her role as an executive sponsor of Cisco's North America chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).
Palin's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her accolades such as recognition on the Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs list in 2023. However, her impact extends beyond marketing metrics; it's about creating a legacy of purposeful growth and positive change. Whether she's speaking at industry conferences, mentoring young professionals, or shaping Cisco's brand narrative, Palin remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. Through her leadership, she exemplifies how purpose-driven marketing can transform not only brands but also the world, leaving a lasting imprint on the tech industry and beyond.