Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO
Firetide Inc., a provider of next-generation wireless mesh networking, announced the appointment of Cisco veteran John McCool as president and CEO. McCool comes to Firetide from Cisco, where he was CTO and SVP of Cisco’s Global Enterprise Segment and led the “borderless networks” initiative that accounted for one-third of Cisco’s $46 billion sales in fiscal 2012.
In addition to his deep technical knowledge, McCool brings expertise in leadership and channel sales, acquired during 17 years of successfully developing new networking businesses for Cisco. He joins Firetide just as the company is experiencing an explosive demand for its advanced wireless networking technology that can be used in applications ranging from video surveillance to the emerging, sensor-based networks known as the “Internet of Things.”
Before joining Cisco, McCool led product development teams at SynOptics, NeXT Computer and Advanced Micro Devices. He has been active in creating industry standards, playing a key role in the development of 10/100BASE-T and FDDI technologies, and holds five patents in the field.
“The demand to connect advanced sensors, control equipment and video to the Internet in industrial environments is surging,” said John McCool, CEO of Firetide. “This represents a rare opportunity for any company that can lead in delivering next-generation mesh networks that provide high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity to both fixed and mobile assets. I think Firetide is that company.”
“John understands how to build and scale a global business, and he brings a dynamic blend of management experience and technology depth. We are delighted to have John lead Firetide as we enter this period of expanding market opportunity and business growth,” said Andy Ludwick, a Firetide board member.
McCool will join the Firetide board of directors, which includes:
- H. DuBose Montgomery, founder of Menlo Ventures;
- Duane Zitzner, former EVP of the Personal Systems Group at Hewlett Packard;
- Andy Ludwick, co-founder of SynOptics and former CEO of Bay Networks;
- Bo Hedfors, former EVP of Motorola and president of its global wireless infrastructure business; and
- Christopher Smith, director with Coral Group, a venture investment group.