Distribution is a critical piece of our go-to-market channel strategy, representing$13 billion a year in revenue for Cisco. We need a strong leader to continue the tradition of programs and relationships we've established with our key distribution partners, and it's with that in mind that I'm very pleased to announceJulie Hensas our new Vice President of Worldwide Distribution.

Julie was most recently our leader for Americas Distribution and in her new role succeeds Scott Brown, who we recently announced as Vice President of the APJC Partner Business Group.

A 14-year Cisco veteran, Julie is a familiar face to many of our distribution partners and I'm confident she will be a fantastic leader in this global role thanks to her depth of experience and strong relationships. Julie began her career at Cisco in the Service Provider Sales Organization and held roles in sales, field operations and sales productivity prior to joining Americas Distribution in 2005. In fact, since 2005 US distribution sales have increased nearly 100 percent. Julie was promoted to Vice President in 2008 and in July 2010 Julie led her team to their first billion-dollar quarter.

In the last few years, Distribution has been one of the fastest-growing routes-to-market for Cisco, helping to fuel our double-digit growth rates in the midmarket, and we will continue to leverage distribution to innovate, transform and grow revenue. As the new leader, Julie will be responsible for not only sales leadership of the Distribution channel in collaboration with regions and countries, but also ensuring supply chain efficiency and effective inventory management, along with accountability for global governance and compliance.

Julie has been recognized as one of the "Most Powerful Women of the Channel" multiple times by CRN and is a member of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives. As co-chair of the Silicon Valley Civic Council she is responsible for driving strategy and leading a team of employee champions who are dedicated to giving back in their local communities.

This leadership transition is happening now and we are beginning the search to fill the Americas Distribution role.

I'd like to thank Scott for his strong leadership over the past three years and for leaving our Distribution organization in great shape for the next leader. Please join me in congratulating Julie and wishing her the very best!