Cisco Systems executive joins Gap board
SAN FRANCISCO — Gap has elected Padmasree Warrior, chief technology and chief strategy officer of Cisco Systems, to its board of directors, effective Sept. 30.
“Padma is an accomplished business leader with nearly 30 years’ experience within the technology industry, as both a strategist and innovator,” said Glenn Murphy, Gap Inc. chairman and CEO. “As we increase our investment in serving customers across all channels, Padma’s relevant expertise will be an asset to our board and management team.”
Warrior is responsible for Cisco’s worldwide business and technology strategy, mergers and acquisitions, equity investments and innovation.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Gap Inc., a company that understands the importance of integrating technology and retail in ways that improve the lives of its customers,” said Warrior. “It is an exciting time to join the Board, especially given the momentum in the business, and I am looking forward to contributing to the long-term success and shareholder value of the company.”
Prior to joining Cisco Systems, Warrior worked at Motorola for 23 years, where she started as a research engineer and exited as its chief technology officer. Her roles of increasing responsibility throughout the years included leading global innovation, overall research and development, global software group and early stage businesses. She also led the Motorola’s energy systems group, which was a global business with diversified products in the mobile phone, portable computing and hand held electronics markets.
She has a master’s of science degree from Cornell University and a bachelor of technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. Previously, Warrior has served as a director on the boards of Corning Corporation and Ferro Corporation, and is a member of Cornell University’s board of trustees.
Warrior becomes the 11th member and the third woman on Gap’s board, in addition to Gap co-founder, Doris Fisher, who became an honorary lifetime director in 2009.