Ciena Elevates Lawton W. Fitt as New Board Chair Leadership

Ciena Appoints Lawton W. Fitt as Independent Chair of the Board

Ciena Corporation (NYSE: CIEN) has officially appointed Lawton W. Fitt as the new independent Chair of its Board of Directors. This announcement marks a significant leadership transition within the company as it continues to strengthen its position in the technology and networking sectors.

Transition in Leadership

Effective December 11, 2024, Ms. Fitt will take over the responsibilities of Chair. This change comes as Patrick H. Nettles, Ph.D., the current Executive Chair, steps down from his role. Dr. Nettles has chosen not to seek re-election during Ciena’s upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2025, where he plans to retire. However, he will remain on the Board until that meeting, providing invaluable support during the transition.

Lawton W. Fitt: A Leader with Experience

Lawton W. Fitt is no stranger to Ciena; she has been a part of the company since November 2000, holding extensive knowledge of its strategies and operations. As the previous chair of Ciena’s Audit Committee, Ms. Fitt has been integral in guiding the company through financial scrutiny since October 2004. Her experience extends beyond Ciena, having served as a director of internationally recognized institutions, including the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Before joining Ciena's Board, Ms. Fitt enjoyed a notable career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs & Co., where she was a partner from 1994 and served as managing director until 2002. She possesses both a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, showcasing her strong educational background.

Gary Smith's Praise for New Chair

Gary Smith, Ciena's President and CEO, expressed his confidence in Ms. Fitt’s capabilities, stating, "Lawton is an exceptional leader with broad public company experience and an understanding of growing technology businesses. She has a proven track record of driving growth and delivering shareholder value. As Chair, she will further strengthen Ciena's leadership in the rapidly evolving networking landscape." This sentiment emphasizes not only Ms. Fitt's qualifications but also highlights Ciena's commitment to growth and innovation in the industry.

Reflecting on Dr. Nettles' Legacy

Dr. Patrick Nettles has been a pivotal figure at Ciena since its inception in 1994. With over thirty years of service, he played a crucial role in establishing the company as a leader within the networking industry. Under his leadership, Ciena achieved remarkable growth, becoming a recognized name in the technology sector.

Having transitioned from CEO to Executive Chair, Dr. Nettles built a legacy of innovation and resilience. Smith acknowledged Dr. Nettles’ remarkable contributions, stating, "Pat played an instrumental role in laying the foundation of the company during our formative years. His influence has established Ciena as a global industry leader, and we are extremely grateful for his many contributions." This reflection speaks volumes about the impact Dr. Nettles has had on Ciena and the industry as a whole.

About Ciena Corporation

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) stands at the forefront of networking systems, services, and software. The company is committed to building adaptive networks that anticipate and respond to the growing digital demands of customers. With a strong emphasis on collaborative relationships, Ciena continues to innovate and develop open and sustainable networks that serve users effectively. The company has consistently prioritized its customers and partners as it advances into the future.

For those interested in staying updated on Ciena, the company encourages following its updates through various online platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, and its corporate insights blog. Ciena's commitment to transparency and ongoing communication allows investors and customers to remain informed about developments and innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lawton W. Fitt?

Lawton W. Fitt is the newly appointed independent Chair of Ciena's Board of Directors, effective December 11, 2024. She has extensive experience in finance and corporate governance.

What role did Patrick H. Nettles play at Ciena?

Patrick H. Nettles served as Executive Chair of Ciena's Board of Directors and played a key role in the company's growth and establishment as an industry leader since 1994.

What experience does Lawton W. Fitt bring to the role?

Ms. Fitt has significant experience, having served as a Director of Ciena since 2000 and as chair of the Audit Committee. Her background includes investment banking and leadership roles in various organizations.

What is Ciena Corporation known for?

Ciena is known for its leadership in networking systems, services, and software, focusing on building adaptive networks that meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.

How can I stay updated on Ciena's developments?

Ciena encourages following their updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, and their official website to stay informed about the latest news and innovations in the company.

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