---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000858877-26-000156"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "CSCO"
cik: "0000858877"
company_name: "CISCO SYSTEMS, INC."
filed_at: "2026-10-09T20:08:49+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-10-12T15:10:52.790912+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.25
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.25
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Cisco appoints Girish D. Rishi to board effective October 9, 2026

## Summary
- Cisco's board appointed Girish D. Rishi, CEO of Cognite Holding B.V., as director effective October 9, 2026.
- Board determined Rishi is independent under Nasdaq listing standards; committee assignments have not yet been determined.
- Rishi will receive pro rata $105,000 annual cash retainer and initial equity award with grant date fair value equal to pro rata portion of $270,000.
- Non-employee directors eligible for Cisco charitable match up to $25,000 for calendar 2026; Rishi entered standard indemnity agreement.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000858877-26-000156
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: CSCO
- cik: 0000858877
- company_name: CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
- filed_at: 2026-10-09T20:08:49+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.25
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.25
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/858877/000085887726000156/0000858877-26-000156-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/858877/000085887726000156/csco-20261007.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000858877-26-000156
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000858877-26-000156.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000858877-26-000156.txt

## Key facts
- Executive change
  Girish D. Rishi was appointed as Director at CISCO SYSTEMS, INC..
  - Action: appointed
  - Role: Director
  source text: On October 7, 2026, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) appointed Girish D. Rishi, CEO of Cognite Holding B.V., as a member of the Board effective October 9, 2026.
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/858877/000085887726000156/0000858877-26-000156-index.htm

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.