Startup Steals JDSU ExecStartup Steals JDSU Exec

GLASGOW -- Expanding its development team to prepare for production ramp-up, Essient Photonics appointed Ian Croston as Director of Engineering. Essient, a supplier of integrated III-V optoelectronic components for modulation and detection in 10Gbps and 40Gbps systems, recently received $7 million in initial funding. Croston's extensive experience in the production of high performance modulators will help catapult Essient's products as they are introduced.Specializing in technical product and quality management, Croston brings to Essient more than 15 years of hands-on fiber optic manufacturing and development experience within the telecommunications industry. While working for JDS Uniphase, Croston managed the successful development and deployment of high performance OC-192 modulator products that helped position the company as a world leader. As Director of Engineering, Croston will oversee all areas of preparation for the introduction of Essient's first products."Ian brings to Essient solid expertise in the high-tech industry andfurther strengthens the development team through his considerableexperience working with modulation and detection components," said Dr.Simon Hicks, Chief Technology Officer of Essient. "We are confident that Ian's product development, quality assurance and managerial experience will be invaluable in helping Essient become a leader in modulation and detection."Essient Photonics