Former Google exec to lead African AI connectivity firm

Lezeth Khoza
By Lezeth Khoza, Junior journalist
Johannesburg, 11 Sept 2025
Mahesh Jaishankar is the newly appointed managing director for CMC Networks.
Mahesh Jaishankar is the newly appointed managing director for CMC Networks.

CMC Networks, a networking provider, has appointed former Google exec Mahesh Jaishankar as its managing director, to lead the business across the African and Middle East regions.

According to the firm, a subsidiary of center3, Jaishankar will lead the company’s strategy to drive growth in artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled operations.

Jaishankar succeeds Marisa Trisolino, who served as CEO of CMC Networks until her departure in April.

He brings over 25 years of leadership experience to the role, following an advisory position at Arthur D Little and having also served as head of strategic negotiations for global network acquisition at Google.

Jaishankar also played a part in the launch and growth of datamena, a provider of datacentre and connectivity solutions based in the UAE.

Fahad Alhajeri, CEO of center3, and chair of CMC Networks, noted that Jaishankar’s expertise with hyperscalers, carriers, and enterprises, coupled with a track record of establishing regional platforms with global relevance, makes him well suited to lead CMC Networks. 

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