When Agents Run the Network: Security, Access, and the AI Data Center Ahead – Main Stage Keynote
The rise of AI agents changes everything—from how networks are built to how access and security are enforced. In this keynote, Tom Gillis, Cisco GM for Infrastructure and Security, shares a forward-looking view of the AI-native data center, where networks are designed for machine-to-machine intelligence, autonomous decision-making, and continuous adaptation.
In this session, you’ll learn how to move from pilots to production and discover how AI is already being used to build, operate, and secure the infrastructure of the future, security and access control models are required for agents, and how enterprises can prepare today for what’s coming next to deliver their business outcomes. This session sets the blueprint for enterprise AI workloads at scale.
Tom Gillis is the Chief Technology Officer at Cisco, where he drives the company’s vision for systems-level platform innovation. In this role, he focuses on helping customers navigate complex architectural shifts by leveraging Cisco’s comprehensive platform, spanning from the silicon layer through to the software and systems layer. A respected industry leader with deep expertise in secure integrated networking and enterprise computing, Tom is dedicated to empowering organizations to reduce risk, streamline management, and effectively adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
Previously, Tom served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Infrastructure & Security Group at Cisco, where he oversaw the global security business and led initiatives to build secure infrastructure within a unified framework. Prior to that, he led Cisco’s Security Business Group, focusing on simplifying the security experience globally.
Before joining Cisco, Tom was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Network and Advanced Security Business Group at VMware, where he oversaw the endpoint, networking, load balancing, and network security businesses. He was also the CEO and co-founder of Bracket Computing, which was acquired by VMware.
Earlier in his career, Tom was the General Manager of the Security Technology Group at Cisco, managing security management, appliances, applications, and endpoint services. As part of the founding team at IronPort Systems, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, leading the company to become a premier provider of antispam, antivirus, and antimalware appliances. Under his leadership, IronPort achieved an average growth of 100 percent year-on-year for seven years before being acquired by Cisco.
Tom’s career also includes roles at iBEAM Broadcasting, Silicon Graphics, Boston Consulting Group, and Raytheon. He is a noted advisor to startups and venture capital firms, serving on several boards of directors. Tom holds an M.B.A. from Harvard University, an M.S.E.E. from Northwestern University, and a B.S.E.E. from Tufts University.
