Kristen Nichols

Kristen Nichols

Chief Operating Officer | Executive Leader in Growth, Operations & Strategy | Driving Scale, Efficiency & Transformation

Cisco•Bozeman, Montana, United States

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Experience22+ Years
LevelCXO

Executive Overview

As an operations executive, I’ve spent my career translating vision into execution — ensuring that strategy, people, and process align to deliver measurable business growth. With deep experience in operational leadership, I’ve: -Led multi-unit operations with full P&L accountability. -Partnered with CEOs and boards to define and execute long-term growth strategies. -Built and scaled high-performing teams. -Drove transformation initiatives that improved efficiency, reduced costs, and fueled revenue growth. My leadership style combines strategic foresight with disciplined execution — ensuring organizations are not only prepared for change, but positioned to thrive in it. I’m passionate about building resilient, high-impact organizations, and open to COO, GM, or senior operational leadership opportunities where I can deliver scale and sustainable results.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • CiscoCurrent
    May 2019–Present· 7 yrs 5 mos
    • Senior Vice President, Global Business and Product Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Cisco Product OrganizationCurrent
      Nov 2022–Present
    • Vice President / Chief of Staff Global Business Operations
      May 2019–Nov 2022
  • May 2015–May 2019· 4 yrs
    • Vice President and Chief of Staff Cloud Engineering
      May 2015–May 2019
  • Mar 2012–2015· 2 yrs 10 mos
    • Senior Director Cloud Operations
      Apr 2013–2015
    • Director Program Management for Product Development IT
      Mar 2012–Apr 2013
  • Jul 2010–Mar 2012· 1 yr 8 mos
    • Director, Programme
      Jul 2010–Mar 2012
  • Jul 2010–Mar 2012· 1 yr 8 mos
    • Director, Programme
      Jul 2010–Mar 2012
  • 2008–Jun 2010· 2 yrs 5 mos
    • Sr Manager PMO
      2008–Jun 2010
  • 2004–2007· 3 yrs
    • Sr. Consultant Financial Services
      Jul 2004–2007
    • Consultant, Professional Services
      2004–2007

Education

MBA

Finance, Business

Thunderbird School of Global Management

BS

Management

W. P. Carey School of Business – Arizona State University

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Kristen Nichols
Vice Chair & President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Network Preview

BizKonnect has mapped this leadership network including reporting hierarchies, peer connections, and cross-functional relationships.

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Skills & Expertise

20 of 20 skills
Business IntelligenceERPProduct ManagementAgile MethodologiesCRMSaaSTelecommunicationsSharePointBusiness Process ImprovementPMPBusiness AnalysisPMOSoftware Project ManagementManagement ConsultingProgram ManagementCross-functional Team LeadershipProject Portfolio ManagementEnterprise SoftwareIntegrationData Center