Memlink names former Ortel exec Chairman and CEO
The appointment of the new CEO, a seasoned industry executive, reflects Memlink's commitment to become a prominent player in the all-optical switching arena. Mr. Rizzone will establish Memlink's headquarters in the US, while the company's R&D operations will remain in Herzelia, Israel.
Rizzone was formerly the Chairman, President and CEO of Ortel Corporation, a publicly traded telecommunications company with core technology strengths in semiconductor optoelectronics and fiber-optic transmission. As the Chairman, President and CEO, he was instrumental in orchestrating the acquisition of Ortel by Lucent Technologies in April 2000.
Before joining Ortel, Rizzone was the President and CEO of NetVantage Inc., which merged with Cabletron Systems (NYSE: CS) in September 1998. Earlier, he served in senior marketing, sales and general management positions with Crosspoint Venture Partners, Retix, Make Systems, 3Com Corporation, Bridge Communications and Timeplex.
"I'm very exited to join Memlink, a young and promising all-optical solution company," said Mr. Rizzone. "I found in Memlink a winning team, a focused vision and an innovative technology - all backed by world-class investors. We intend to fully realize that potential in order to position Memlink as a leading vendor of all-optical solutions."
Memlink was founded in 1999 to address the need for all-optical switching solutions for the core fiber-optic network. Based on unique MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology and fabric architecture, Memlink's products are targeted initially at the optical cross-connect (OXC) market. Memlink's innovative technology and architecture result in a smaller and more reliable system, with seamless scalability and breakthrough cost-performance benefits.
"We are extremely pleased that Steve Rizzone is joining Memlink," said David Walrod of Oak Investment Partners. "Steve brings to Memlink more than 25 years of successful managerial experience in telecommunications, and outstanding leadership qualities that will enable us to fulfill our ambitious goals."
About Memlink
Memlink is a leading designer and manufacturer of all-optical switching solutions for fiber-optic communications networks. Memlink provides customers with carrier-class, all-optical sub-systems for optical cross-connect (OXC) applications. Memlink products reduce the cost of ownership of optical network equipment while greatly enhancing transmission quality and performance. For more information, please visit the Memlink Web site at: http://www.mem-link.com.
Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter.
Click for a free Buyer's Guide listing.