Cisco has announced the appointment of Steve Clayton as its new Chief Communications Officer, strengthening its Executive Leadership Team as the company enters a pivotal phase of growth. Clayton will assume the role effective January 5, 2026.
Clayton joins Cisco from Microsoft, where he spent more than 28 years in senior communications and storytelling roles. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Communications Strategy and Chief Storyteller, partnering closely with Microsoft’s senior leadership to shape strategic narratives and influence company culture. His responsibilities included overseeing Microsoft’s owned storytelling platforms and leading initiatives to reimagine how artificial intelligence could be embedded into global communications practices. Earlier in his career at Microsoft, Clayton also headed the company’s Global Public Affairs function.
His appointment comes at a time when Cisco is deepening its focus on enabling customers, partners, and governments worldwide to harness the potential of AI. Clayton’s extensive experience in strategic communications and technology-driven storytelling is expected to play a key role in amplifying Cisco’s narrative and reinforcing its position as a provider of critical infrastructure for the AI-driven future.
Cisco leadership expressed confidence that Clayton’s vision and expertise will further strengthen the company’s global communications efforts and help advance its long-term strategic priorities.
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