+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

FT Names Cisco CEO 'Chief Obfuscation Champion'

Jan 9, 2013, 23:14 IST

Lucy Kellaway, a columnist and associate editor the Financial Times, the preeminent British business newspaper, just named Cisco CEO John Chambers "Chief Obfuscation Champion" — or "COC" for short.

Advertisement

It's part of her annual awards for "guff, cliché, euphemism and verbal stupidity" by top business execs.

She had originally been planning to give the award to Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts but, she writes:

"I’m forced to take it away from her and give it to John Chambers instead. Last month he sent out an email to Cisco employees beginning 'Team,' and ending: 'We’ll wake the world up and move the planet a little closer to the future.' Mr Chambers beats Ms Ahrendts because he has created a concoction of sublime arrogance and cheesiness out of short, household words. He is a well-deserving COC."

Ahrendts did manage to walk away with another award, as did several others. These included The Preposition Award, Most Extravagant Job Title, and Best Euphemism For Firing People.

Advertisement

Don't miss: The Exec Who Signed The Check Explains Why Cisco Spent $1.2 Billion To Buy A $100 Million Company

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article