New Cisco distribution chief Julie Hens

Cisco Systems Inc.’s regional distribution executive is going global. Julie Hens, a 14-year Cisco veteran with a wealth of channel and distribution experience to her credit, was bumped up this week from her post in Americas distribution to a larger role as the vendor’s new vice president of Cisco global distribution.

Hens takes over for former Cisco global distribution head Scott Brown, who was recently named vice president of Cisco’s APJC partner business group.

In a blog post announcing the promotion, Cisco Senior Vice President of Worldwide Channel Edison Peres said Hens got the Cisco global distribution nod because “we need a strong leader to continue the tradition of programs and relationships we’ve established with our key distribution partners.”

According to Peres, distribution remains one of Cisco’s fastest-growing routes-to-market representing $13 billion a year in revenue for the networking and IT vendor. Since 2005 distribution sales have increased nearly 100 percent in the U.S. alone.

“As the new leader, [Hens] 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,” Peres said.

Hens began her career at Cisco in the service provider sales organization and held a number of sales and field operations roles prior to joining the Americas distribution unit in 2005. Hens was promoted to vice president in 2008 and within two years led her team to their first billion-dollar quarter, according to Peres.

Regularly included on CRN’s annual “Most Powerful Women of the Channel” listing, the new Cisco global distribution chief is also a member of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives and co-chair of the Silicon Valley Civic Council.

Cisco officials say the search for Hens replacement in the Americas distribution leadership role is ongoing.