Business Experience
George Kurian has served as Chief Executive Officer of NetApp, Inc. (NetApp), an intelligent data infrastructure software company, since 2015. He was NetApp’s President from 2016 through 2020; Executive Vice President, Product Development, from 2013 through 2015; and Senior Vice President, Software Group, from 2011 through 2013. Previously, Mr. Kurian held various roles at Cisco Systems, Inc., a technology company, having served as Vice President and General Manager, Application Networking and Switching Technology Group, from 2009 to 2011; Vice President and General Manager, Application Delivery Business Unit, from 2005 to 2009; and Vice President and General Manager, Video Networking Business Unit, from 2002 to 2005.
Mr. Kurian brings significant leadership experience and a deep understanding of business transformation, strategic planning, corporate growth, and risk assessment on a global basis, having spent over a decade with NetApp. He is well versed in customer-oriented technology, drawing on his background as an engineer and his leadership of client service teams focused on advancing strategic and operational initiatives. Through his leadership at NetApp he has also overseen the development of enterprise scale artificial intelligence (AI) and data platforms, guiding major innovations in AI infrastructure, secure data management, and responsible AI adoption.
Mr. Kurian has spent more than 20 years in leadership positions at technology-focused companies, through which he has developed expertise in innovative technology and related operations. His extensive background and experience provide a deep understanding of how technology fits into a business from both an operational and strategic perspective.