Cisco names CIA veteran to lead business group

Networking solutions provider Cisco Systems has appointed John Sano director of business development in its Global Government Solutions Group, the company announced today. In this role, he will focus on the core business needs and development of solutions for U.S. federal and international government customers and systems integrators.

Sano comes to Cisco from the CIA, where he worked for 27 years. Most recently he was deputy director of National Clandestine Services (NCS). Sano was appointed the NCS' first deputy director in November 2005 after having been chief of the East Asia division within the Directorate of Operations. As deputy director, Sano headed the leadership team and regularly briefed senior administration officials and congressional oversight and policy committees on matters of national security and worldwide clandestine operations.

Sano has won several awards, including the CIA's Donovan Award, Director's Award, Balkans Service Medallion and Exceptional Intelligence Collector Award.