Ciena Beefs Up Marketing

LINTHICUM, Md. -- CIENA® Corporation (Nasdaq:CIEN - News), a leading global provider of intelligent service creation and delivery solutions, today announced that Laura Howard has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and that Suzanne DuLong, vice president, Investor Relations for CIENA, has been named Chief Communications Officer, both reporting directly to President and CEO Gary Smith.

Howard will be responsible for driving the market development and positioning of the company, its new identity, and expanded product families toward CIENA's telco, cable, government and enterprise customers worldwide. Her background includes extensive work in high-tech marketing including leadership positions as Chief Marketing Officer of ProQuent, and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Ericsson Data Networking.

"Laura has strong and relevant experience in marketing with both data communications and telecommunications suppliers, including business challenges similar to those facing CIENA today," said Smith. "This direct understanding of our business and our markets is key to driving sales and to the successful positioning of CIENA in the marketplace."

DuLong will continue to have direct responsibility for investor relations in a new reporting relationship to Smith. In addition, Suzanne will oversee CIENA's relationships and perception building of the company, its strategy and products with media, industry analysts, employees, the investment community and government regulators worldwide.

"We've established the position of Chief Communications Officer to strengthen and broaden CIENA's commitment to communications with both our external and internal audiences," said Smith. "Suzanne's appointment to this new role ensures breadth and depth of knowledge and experience to lead CIENA's perception building efforts. We are at the cusp of a new market position; Suzanne's guidance brings credibility and integrity as we address our new marketplace."

Ciena Corp.