Mar 2019 – Present · 7 yrs 2 mos

Nov 2015 – Mar 2017 · 1 yr 4 mos

• Served as COO during the acquisition of Cyan, a leading provider of next-generation software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) solutions. Led an organization which made up approximately 90% of Ciena’s global workforce at the time with functions spanning global Sales and Services, R&D/engineering, supply chain and procurement, product line management, and quality/customer advocacy.

Jan 2011 – Oct 2015 · 4 yrs 9 mos

• Responsible for Ciena’s global technology and product innovation engine, which included R&D, product line management, supply chain, procurement and quality. Increased Ciena’s global market share in optical networking from 14% to 17%, while reducing R&D expenditure to less than 18% of revenue. Drove design and supplier cost reduction efforts to improve Ciena’s operating leverage. Led significant strategic investments in packet networking. Established a Technology Awards program to induct Ciena Fellows and Distinguished Engineers whose innovations have helped transform the industry and establish Ciena as an industry leader.

Jan 2005 – Jan 2011 · 6 yrs

• Held P&L responsibility. Grew revenue and profit at 4 times the market rate over a 6-year period. Led an organization that grew from 70 to 450 employees, and created better alignment across all functions, including Sales, Services, Marketing, Finance, IT and Legal.

Jan 2004 – Jan 2005 · 1 yr

• Responsible for the company’s business in Europe and Asia. Drove $100M in revenue to large international carriers, Fortune 200, utilities, and research & education organization. Grew international revenue by 60% in first year, while reducing operational expenses by 10%.

Jan 2002 – Jan 2004 · 2 yrs

• Initiated and orchestrated a re-branding effort to differentiate Ciena at a critical point in the industry. Dramatically enhanced the company’s web marketing for lead generation, promotion, and offer management. Led the development of applications-based product marketing materials. Participated in Ciena’s portfolio expansion strategy through partnerships and acquisitions.

Jan 2004 – Present · 22 yrs 4 mos · Togo

• Cajou Espoir is a cashew-processing facility that employs several hundred people in rural Togo, 80 percent of whom are women. Cajou Espoir exports more than 400 tons of cashew kernels annually to the U.S. and Europe.