Gary B. Smith began serving as Chief Executive Officer of Ciena in May 2001, in addition to his existing responsibilities as President and Director, positions he has held since October 2000. Prior to his current role, his positions with the Company included: Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales. Mr. Smith joined Ciena in November 1997 as Vice President, International Sales.

From 1995 through 1997, Mr. Smith served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for INTELSAT. He also previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cray Communications, Inc.

Mr. Smith is a member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, and serves on the board of directors for CommVault Systems, Inc. He is a Commissioner for the Global Information Infrastructure Commission; serves on the Wake Forest University Advisory Council for the Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship; and, participates in initiatives with the Center for Corporate Innovation. Mr. Smith received his M.B.A. from Ashridge Management College, United Kingdom.