Andreu Vilamitjana, General Manager of Cisco for Spain and Portugal
- What is Cisco’s mission, and what role does it play in technological development at a global and local level?
Cisco’s mission is to build a more connected and secure future, helping our customers, partners, and communities to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and harness the benefits of digitalization. With our purpose at the core, we are committed to powering an inclusive future for all.
Cisco has played, and continues to play, a key role in technological development. Over the past 40 years, the company has helped define major technological transitions in the post-industrial era, including voice and video over IP (1990s), mobile connectivity (2000s), the Internet of Things and Cloud (2010s), and Artificial Intelligence (2020s). Today, 80% of global Internet traffic runs through Cisco equipment, and with our innovative AI-based solutions and services, we help businesses and governments transform infrastructure and data into business, social, ethical, and sustainable value.
- Cisco has had a presence in Spain for decades. How has the company evolved in the country, and what impact has it had on the digitalization of Spain’s business ecosystem?
Cisco has been present in Spain since 1992. Over these 30+ years, we have adapted our strategy to lead digitalization processes in collaboration with businesses, public administrations, and our partners. The impact has been substantial, especially after four key milestones: the opening of the Innovation Center (2018); the launch in 2019 of Digitaliza, our digital acceleration program for Spain (known as CDA internationally); the inauguration in 2022 of Cisco’s first Semiconductor Design Center in Spain (and also the first in the EU); and the complete renovation of our Madrid headquarters in 2024 to become Cisco’s second Innovation Center in the country, focusing on cutting-edge initiatives such as quantum cryptography.
Today, digitalization accounts for nearly 25% of Spain’s GDP, and at Cisco, we are proud to have contributed to this achievement with our innovative technologies.
- What role does the Madrid region play in Cisco’s strategy for Spain and Southern Europe?
The dynamic Madrid region is a key pillar in Cisco’s strategy for Spain and Southern Europe. Madrid is home to our national headquarters, which also functions as an important Innovation and Technology Development Center. Our collaborative innovation model—involving industry, research institutions, universities, and start-ups—requires us to be located in a region like Madrid, which offers a vibrant business environment and advanced infrastructure essential for our operations, growth, and the region’s technological progress. - Why did Cisco choose Madrid as one of its strategic centers? What factors were decisive in that decision?
- We chose Madrid as one of our strategic centers due to its excellent connectivity, the availability of highly qualified talent, and its advanced technological infrastructure. Additionally, Madrid’s geographical position facilitates coordination of our operations in Southern Europe and allows us to stay close to our strategic clients and partners in the region.
- What competitive advantages does Madrid offer in terms of digital talent, connectivity, and infrastructure for a tech company like Cisco?
- Madrid offers a unique combination of competitive advantages, including a large pool of digital talent, excellent connectivity at both national and international levels, and top-tier technological infrastructure. Not to mention the high quality of life, which locals may take for granted but is consistently praised by our international executives posted in Madrid. These factors make Madrid an ideal location for Cisco to significantly contribute to the digitalization of the region and the country.
- How is Cisco contributing from Madrid to the development of innovative solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or the networks of the future?
From Madrid, Cisco plays a leading role in advancing key technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and next-generation networks. Through our innovation centers and collaborative ecosystem, we design and deploy cutting-edge solutions with our partners to address major technological and societal challenges.
We have many flagship implementations in Madrid, including:
- The launch of a cloud data center in Madrid, operational since 2021, which supports Cisco Umbrella, one of our cloud security platforms that provides threat protection for global clients.
- The digitalization of the Madrid Metro as part of the Digitaliza program, deploying an MPLS network and SD-Access architecture to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency across lines.
- The technological transformation of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, in partnership with Real Madrid, turning it into Europe’s most connected sports venue, with over 1,200 Wi-Fi6 access points, a smart converged network, and advanced digital signage.
- The provision of key technology training for Madrid residents through nonprofit initiatives like Cisco IT Skills of the Madrid region and Cisco Networking Academy, offering education in cybersecurity, networking, AI, and programming to boost employability and digital talent development. One of the latest agreements, signed following the visit of Miguel López-Valverde, Madrid’s Regional Minister for Digitalization, to Cisco’s offices in San Jose, aims to strengthen the tech skills of 1,000 Madrid residents to support job placement, career advancement, or mobility—part of the regional Shock Plan to fill over 40,000 tech vacancies.
Through these projects and as a member of the Advisory Council of the Digitaliza Madrid Innovation Center, Cisco demonstrates its commitment to innovation, economic and social development, and building a more resilient and inclusive future in the Madrid region.
- Since your appointment as General Manager of Cisco Spain in 2019, what have been the key milestones in the company’s evolution in the country, especially in the Madrid region?
Since 2019, we’ve achieved several important milestones, including the expansion of our operations in Madrid, the launch of new cybersecurity initiatives, and the implementation of digital transformation projects in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and public administration. These accomplishments have strengthened our position in the Spanish market and contributed to the economic and technological development of the Madrid region
In addition to accelerating digitalization and supporting inclusive recovery in the country—helping to overcome the economic and social crisis caused by the pandemic through our inclusive purpose—I believe the most rewarding aspect of my tenure has been Cisco’s recognition as the Best Place to Work in Spain by the Great Place to Work consultancy. Cisco Spain has earned this distinction 10 times, including twice in a row in the past two years. This award reflects how we care for one another, support our communities, have a positive impact on the economy and people, and see work, technology, and innovation as the path toward a more inclusive future for all. Additionally, Cisco Spain has also been named Country of the Year EMEA twice in the last three years—a credit to all our employees.
- What are Cisco’s future plans regarding expansion, investment, or the development of new programs in Spain and the Madrid region?
Looking ahead, Cisco plans to continue investing in the expansion of our operations in Spain, with a special focus on the Madrid region. We are committed to developing new programs that drive innovation and digitalization, as well as forging strategic partnerships that enable us to maintain our leadership in the tech sector in the region.
The modern, resilient, and secure networks we are building form the backbone of our clients’ technology strategies, including AI-ready data centers, future-ready workplaces, and the protection of their entire digital footprint with innovative observability capabilities. And of course, we remain fully committed to helping build a more resilient and inclusive future for all.