SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Gigabit Optics Corporation, an integrated photonics company, announced today that Patrick Edsell has joined the company as CEO. Formerly chairman, president and CEO of Spectra-Physics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPLI), he brings 18 years of senior executive experience in the optical and micro-electronics manufacturing industries to the company. As CEO of Spectra-Physics for the past 11 years, Edsell was responsible for positioning the company as the premier global supplier of broad-based laser technology to the telecom, computer/micro-electronics manufacturing, medical, graphics and research markets. During this period, he orchestrated a turnaround that resulted in the company becoming profitable, increasing the annual revenue from $80 million to $210 million. Additionally, he guided Spectra-Physics through its initial public offering in 1997. "Patrick brings a wealth of leadership experience that Gigabit Optics can leverage as we develop and market an advanced line of optical networking components," said Jenkin Richard, chairman and CTO of Gigabit Optics Corporation. "His track record of creating and operating profitable, customer-focused teams will be integral to our company's success." Gigabit Optics Corp.