2015-Dec-02

Faster, Higher, Stronger: Meet Eli Banay

Eli Banay · Strategic Account Manager · Israel

In every facet of his life, Eli Banay refuses to settle for average. Whether it is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, running a marathon, or spearheading a massive project for Cisco, Eli never stops striving to go ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’

And for someone who spent 22 years as an officer in the Israeli Air Force, complacency is not an option. This is why Eli was tasked with leading Cisco’s biggest project in Israel – deployment of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) infrastructure to every home and business throughout the country. A $230 million USD investment, the FTTH project will eventually impact the life of every citizen in Israel by improving the economy, education, health, and welfare.

“I truly feel that what I do is exactly aligned with Cisco values of changing the world, making innovation happen, connecting everyone, everything and benefitting everyone,” Eli says.

Despite a challenging professional life, Eli dedicates his spare time to giving back to his local community and impacting the lives and education of young people. He works as a personal coach and mentor to young Russian immigrants, and distributes food to the disadvantaged. He also participates in a Cisco charitable team that focuses on bringing technology and innovation to girls in low socio-economic neighborhoods.

“I’m truly passionate about helping young people to push their limits in education, sports, everything,” Eli says. “I appreciate that I have been given the chance to interact with them through opportunities at Cisco.”

The 52-year-old father of four embraces challenges even in his personal life. In honor of his fiftieth birthday, Eli decided to train for a marathon, successfully completing the Berlin Marathon. He has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the Himalayas, trekked the Torres Del Paine trail in Argentina, and circled the Mont Blanc. On each of these personal endeavors, Eli brings along a loved one – his wife, one of his children or his brother – to share in the adventure and strengthen the bond between them.

Eli also uses his passion for fitness to help others, as he has trained alongside a blind 25-year-old man. Running hand-in-hand and connected by a rubber band, the duo successfully completed a half marathon.

For someone who truly lives out Our People values and the Olympic motto on a daily basis, Eli remains humble and grateful to be recognized as a Cisco Olympian.

“It is an honor for me to be representing this amazing group of people,” he says. “I don’t know why I was chosen or what about my story stuck out, but it is such an honor and inspiring to be a part of this group.”

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