FREMONT, Calif. -- Avanex Corporation (Nasdaq: AVNX), pioneer of intelligent optical solutions that enable next-generation optical networks, today announced that it has named Yves LeMaitre as vice president and general manager of the newly formed optical components business unit, which combines the active and passive discrete components and the transmission modules groups.

"This organizational change streamlines our operating structure and will improve our ability to satisfy customer's needs," said Jo Major, Avanex chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Yves is the ideal person to assume the reins and lead the optical components business unit. With a proven track record of restructuring operations and building growth companies into market leaders, I am confident that Yves' experience and commitment to success will enable him to drive the company forward, maximize revenue growth and build shareholder value. I am very excited to welcome Yves to the Avanex team."

Yves LeMaitre was most recently president and chief executive officer of Lightconnect Inc., a private company based in California. Under his leadership, Lightconnect became the leading supplier of MEMS components and modules for optical networking applications. Prior to that, he was vice president and general manager of Core Data Products at Alcatel USA, Inc. with worldwide marketing and full P&L responsibility.

LeMaitre has worked in the United States for eleven years for Lightconnect, Alcatel and its joint venture with Sprint International. He also held various senior marketing and engineering management positions in France, the Netherlands and Italy for Alcatel and SITA. LeMaitre graduated from Nantes University in France with a master's degree in mathematics and computer science. He also holds an engineering degree from ENST (Ecole nationale superieure des telecommunications) in Paris.

Avanex Corp.