Networking equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. said Wednesday it was reappointing Arun Sarin, the former chief executive of Vodafone Group PLC, to its board of directors.

Sarin, 54, served on Cisco's board from 1998 to 2003, and was CEO of Vodafone from 2003 until July 2008.

"No one knows mobility and telecommunications better than Arun," said Cisco CEO John Chambers.

After Sarin's appointment, Cisco's board consists of 13 members, including Yahoo Inc. CEO Carol Bartz and co-founder Jerry Yang.

Cisco shares rose 31 cents, or 1.4 percent, to close at $22.23 on Wednesday.