8-KLeadership Changes

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Apr 6, 2026)

Filed April 6, 2026For Securities:CSCO

Summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) has filed an 8-K report detailing changes to its Board of Directors. Daniel H. Schulman has resigned from the Board, effective May 21, 2026, due to increased time commitments from his new role as CEO of Verizon Communications Inc. This departure removes a director whose tenure might have provided continuity, but it's also presented as a strategic move driven by external responsibilities. Concurrently, Cisco has appointed Peter A. Shimer to its Board, effective April 6, 2026. Mr. Shimer has been deemed independent and appointed to the Audit Committee. His appointment is accompanied by standard director compensation arrangements, including cash retainers and equity awards, with provisions for deferred settlement and participation in a charitable matching program. The company has also entered into a standard Indemnity Agreement with Mr. Shimer, a common practice for directors.

Key Highlights

  • 1Daniel H. Schulman to resign from the Board of Directors effective May 21, 2026, due to new CEO role at Verizon.
  • 2Peter A. Shimer appointed to the Board of Directors, effective April 6, 2026.
  • 3Mr. Shimer has been determined to be an "independent" director under Nasdaq listing standards.
  • 4Mr. Shimer appointed as a member of the Board's Audit Committee.
  • 5Mr. Shimer will receive standard non-employee director compensation, including cash retainers and equity awards.
  • 6Director compensation includes options for deferred settlement of cash and equity, and a charitable matching program.
  • 7Cisco has entered into a standard Indemnity Agreement with Mr. Shimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daniel H. Schulman is resigning from Cisco's Board of Directors effective May 21, 2026, because his new role as Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications Inc. requires increased time and focus.

Peter A. Shimer has been appointed to Cisco's Board of Directors, effective April 6, 2026. He has been determined to be an "independent" director under Nasdaq listing standards and has been appointed to serve on the Audit Committee.

Mr. Shimer will receive Cisco's standard non-employee director compensation, which includes pro rata annual cash retainers for board service and Audit Committee membership. He also automatically received a pro rata initial non-employee director equity award. Directors have options to defer these payments and awards, and are eligible for a charitable matching gifts program.

The Indemnity Agreement is Cisco's standard form, which provides for indemnification of the director to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is a common protective measure for board members.