Naresh Wadhwa
About Naresh Wadhwa
Naresh Wadhwa is the President of Asia Pacific & Japan at Arista Networks, with a notable history of leadership roles at Cisco and other prominent companies.
Current Role at Arista Networks
Naresh Wadhwa currently serves as the President for Asia Pacific & Japan at Arista Networks. His tenure at Arista Networks has positioned him as a key executive in the region, responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives, business development, and regional operations. Based in Mumbai, Wadhwa contributes his extensive experience from previous roles to drive growth and innovation within the company.
Former Roles at Cisco
Naresh Wadhwa held various senior leadership roles at Cisco, including President & Country Manager, from 1998 to 2013. During his tenure, he also served as the COO for Asia Pacific (APAC), managing business operations, strategy, planning, and marketing functions. Wadhwa played a critical role in establishing Cisco's presence in India and South Asia, recognized as a foundational leader contributing to the region's success.
Background in Strategy and Advisory
Wadhwa's career includes significant strategic roles, such as Strategy Advisor at NSE.iT Limited from 2016 to 2018, and Member of the Advisory Board at Sonata Software from 2012 to 2018. He also served as an Independent Director at Marksans Pharma Limited from 2013 to 2018. These positions underscore his expertise in developing and guiding technology firms through strategic initiatives.
Education and Early Career
Naresh Wadhwa studied at the Atomic Energy Central School, focusing on Sciences and achieving Junior College certification from 1975 to 1985. His academic foundation in the sciences supported his entry into the technology sector, where he has since built a distinguished career contributing to major technological advancements and leadership roles in renowned companies.
Contributions to Cisco's Global Strategy
During his time at Cisco, Naresh Wadhwa significantly contributed to the company's global strategy by leveraging the India operations as a base for developing globally relevant technologies. He was part of Cisco’s Emerging Countries Council and worked closely with the Globalization Center and Engineering organization to promote inclusive growth across emerging countries. Under his leadership, Cisco India was consistently recognized for innovation and maintained a position among the top 5 IT companies in the country.