FREMONT, Calif. -- Avanex Corporation (Nasdaq: AVNX), pioneer of intelligent optical solutions that enable next-generation optical networks, today announced the appointments of Rich Yonker as chief financial officer, and Jing Liao as vice president of human resources. Linda Reddick, who has served as acting CFO since November 2003, will move to the role of Vice President, Corporate Controller.

"We have further strengthened the Avanex management team with two highly experienced executives," said Jo Major, president and CEO of Avanex. "Rich's skills, strong financial discipline, and in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications industry will mean that he will contribute to the company immediately. Jing's previous experience and success as a human resources and business executive in global technology companies makes her the ideal person to help Avanex grow and expand our international operations. We are delighted to welcome both Rich and Jing to our senior executive team."

Rich Yonker brings more than 35 years of strong business and financial experience to the company. Prior to joining the Avanex executive team, he was chief financial officer for Actelis Networks, a telecommunications company. He has served as the chief financial officer for numerous public and private companies, including Bermai, a WiFi semiconductor company, Agility Communications, MMC Networks, Computron Software and Asyst Technologies. In addition, he has held senior management positions at The ASK Group, Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel and General Motors. Yonker earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the General Motors Institute and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a master's degree in finance management.

Jing Liao has held numerous human resources positions of increasing responsibility. She has extensive experience in compensation and benefits, employee relations and organizational effectiveness. Most recently she served as director of global compensation for Hyperion Solutions, where she worked with the compensation committee and provided cutting edge, cost effective, total reward recommendations. Prior to joining Hyperion Solutions, Liao held senior management positions at JDS Uniphase and Adaptec. Liao is a graduate of Peking University in Peking, China, where she received a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She received her master's degree in human resources/industrial relations from University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business.

Avanex Corp.