Guillermo Diaz Jr. - SVL Cultura Ambassador

by Alex Ontiveros December 04, 2014

Guillermo Diaz, Jr. ("G" or Memo) is the Senior Vice President of Information Technology accountable for Cisco Systems’ Enterprise IT architecture, technology strategy, and IT services/operating model. Also, the IT executive responsible for Sales/Channels – 85% of Cisco’s business, Cisco Services $12B business unit, Cisco’s “Software as a Service” (SaaS) IT platform architecture and operations, and regional IT services. He and his team also drive “Cisco on Cisco” – a key company process that showcases the use of Cisco's technology solutions and processes inside its own $50B business helping customers understand how Cisco uses what it offers. G is the IT leader for Cisco’s major transformation program known as Accelerated Cisco transformation, a top Cisco priority. This focus is to align all company priorities, investments and business models to drive optimal return on investments. He is also the executive sponsor of Conexión, Cisco’s Hispanic/Latino employee resource network, and a key leader on Cisco’s Diversity Council. Through his leadership and commitment since 2001, Conexión has grown to be one of the largest, most relevant and active Latino employee resource networks in the country.

Prior to joining Cisco, he held senior IT leadership positions with some of Silicon Valley’s most respected companies including Director of Global Network Services for Silicon Graphics, Senior Director of IT for Intelligent Electronics (Ingram Micro), and Manager, Telecommunications for Alza Corporation (Johnson & Johnson).   He began his career in telecommunications with the United States Navy where a military scholarship led to his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Regis University, Colorado.

He was recognized by the Silicon Business Journal – 2014 “Best CIO” Community Champion. Also the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) as one of the “Top Hispanics in IT” from 2009-2014. Other awards include the “National Eagle Leadership Award in 2010, CIO Magazine’s “Ones To Watch Award” in 2007 and Silicon Valley Latino’s Latino Trailblazer in Tech Honoree in 2013 to name a few.

G is also very involved in his community through various groups and is always ready to speak and engage with Latino youth through his “Inspire Higher” approach. He is also a member of the Hispanic in IT Executive Council Advisory Board and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools Board of Directors.  Guillermo’s family, including his wife Gema, four children and the beloved grand-dog Stitch are based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is proud to be from the "Eastside" of Pueblo, Colorado and is die hard Denver Broncos fan. When he is not solving IT problems, inspiring others and cheering on his Broncos you’ll find him on the greens perfecting his other passion, golf. We are also proud to have him as Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador and an SVL Champion!