Proficient Appoints New CEO

SAN FRANCISCO -- Proficient Networks, a leading provider of network optimization solutions, today announced that it has named Chris Vargas as the company’s new CEO. Proficient Networks founding president and CEO, Allan Leinwand, will maintain the role of president and will continue to serve as the company’s visionary spokesperson. Mr. Vargas has been a member of the company’s advisory board since its inception in 2001. “We continue to build momentum from being a start-up in early 2001 to emerging as one of the major players in the network optimization market,” said Allan Leinwand, co-founder and president of Proficient Networks. “I can think of no one more qualified than Chris to lead us into the next phase. He has a proven track record of leading several network-related companies in creating new market opportunities in multiple geographies.” Chris brings more than 15 years of high tech and network experience to Proficient Networks. Formerly, Chris was president of F-Secure, a global provider of centrally managed security solutions for the mobile enterprise, where he played a major role in creating the company’s US presence. Before F-Secure, Chris spent eight years at San Jose-based networking giant Cisco Systems, most recently as Director of Marketing. While there, he developed and executed marketing strategies for Cisco's Asian, Latin American, and European operations, as well as a number of sales and business development positions based in Brussels, Belgium. In his first role at Cisco, he co-founded their Germany operations in 1991. Prior to joining Cisco, Chris was Program Manager for Secure Intranet Services within the Advanced Networking Program division of the United States Air Force. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and was a Fulbright scholar to Finland from 1987-1988. He has served on a number of boards, including F-Secure Ltd, Modera Point Inc and Vaultline Inc.Proficient Networks Inc.