Netflix adds Cisco exec to board

APRIL 4 | Netflix named Cisco Systems senior VP and chief development officer Charles H. Giancarlo to its board of directors Wednesday, a move that comes as the Internet rental retailer is shifting into digital movie delivery.

“Charlie understands the future of the Internet—and the scale required for the video Internet of the next decade—so we are thrilled to have him join our board,” Netflix chair and CEO Reed Hastings said in a statement announcing the appointment.

Giancarlo also serves as president of Cisco-Linksys, an independent division of Cisco that makes wired and wireless networking products.

“The world of video communications and distribution for entertainment is changing dramatically,” Giancarlo said in a statement. “Cisco and Netflix are on the cutting edge of innovation in this market. Serving on the Netflix board will bring me closer to the needs of all Web video companies, and while I love getting my red envelopes today, I can’t wait to eventually get all of my Netflix content online.”