Curtin University has appointed global tech industry leader Carl Solder as Adjunct Professor in a move designed to fast-track innovation and develop the next generation of tech talent.
Mr Solder – the Chief Technology Officer of Cisco Australia and New Zealand – brings a wealth of global expertise to Curtin following a 40-year career in Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and the United States, including 19 years in Silicon Valley.
While employed in the US, Mr Solder worked within Cisco’s core engineering teams, playing a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking enterprise, data centre and cloud networking products.
His work has been instrumental in shaping the digital infrastructure for many of the world’s Fortune 500 companies, placing him at the forefront of the world’s technology sector.
At Curtin, Mr Solder will mentor students, deliver specialised seminars and provide students with unique insights into the practical application of networking technologies and the strategic leadership required to succeed in the global tech industry.
Mr Solder said becoming an Adjunct Professor was not only a “profound honour” but also a “full-circle moment”, after completing his undergraduate degree at Curtin in 1984.