view printer-friendly version

CIENA TO STRENGTHEN ASIAN PRESENCE WITH NEW HONG KONG OFFICE, APPOINTS CLAUDE ACHCAR VICE PRESIDENT, ASIA

Ciena Corporation, (CIEN) today announced that it will open a new office in Hong Kong and that Claude Achcar has joined Ciena to direct the company's sales operations in Asian markets outside of Japan, where Ciena already has an established presence. From the new Hong Kong office, Mr. Achcar will serve as Ciena's Vice President, Asia, managing new business initiatives and customer accounts, and increasing Ciena's global presence to keep pace with the growth and demand for its intelligent optical networking systems.

"Ciena is a significant player in the Japanese optical networking systems market and continues to build their presence in Korea. The addition of local staff in Hong Kong illustrates Ciena's continued commitment to Asia as an important market going forward," said Matt Walker, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific, at telecommunications market research firm RHK.

Mr. Achcar, who has worked in the telecommunications industry for more than 13 years, most recently served as Nortel Networks' Asia Pacific Group Director. For the past three years, Mr. Achcar focused on the development of optical, access and network management accounts for Nortel throughout the Asia Pacific region. He brings to his new post with Ciena expertise in networking systems and a record of industry achievement.

"Expanding our presence in Asia with experienced professionals is instrumental in our ability to meet customers' expectations in this global industry," said Chris Simpson, Ciena's Senior Vice President of Global Sales. "Mr. Achcar's passion and enthusiasm, coupled with his strong technical background and sales experience, give him the ability to further Ciena's leadership position and success in the Asia Pacific region."

Mr. Achcar began his career with Nortel Networks in Canada, where he served as Optical Transport Network System Engineer for four years and was promoted to International Product Marketing Manager. From 1995 to 1999, he held several positions with Nortel in Asia, including positions in customer service and business development.

"I am excited to join Ciena, a dynamic, entrepreneurial company that provides leadership opportunities for both its employees and its customers," Mr. Achcar said. "I look forward to leading Ciena's sales efforts in Asia and providing the intelligent optical networking solutions to service providers that will give them a competitive advantage."

Mr. Achcar earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering and his master of engineering in computers and communications, both from Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec. He has also received his master of business administration in marketing and international business from McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.