SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Oclaro, Inc. (the "Company") (OCLR) announced today that Alain Couder, the Company's chair and chief executive officer, has retired and that the board of directors has named Greg Dougherty, Oclaro board member, as chief executive officer effective immediately. The Company also announced that Marissa Peterson, Oclaro board member, has been elected as chair. "On behalf of the entire board, we thank Alain Couder for his contributions to Oclaro," said Marissa Peterson, chair of the board of directors, Oclaro. "Since joining the company in 2007, Alain has played an important role in transforming the company from a small optical component company called Bookham into an industry leader. As we look ahead, Oclaro's new CEO, Greg Dougherty brings significant operational experience in the optical industry. We look forward to working closely with Greg as we navigate through the current challenging financial situation." Greg Dougherty has served as an Oclaro board member since 2009, and brings to the CEO role substantial leadership, operations, sales, marketing and general management experience in the optical and laser industries, including previous roles as chief operating officer of JDSU, and chief operating officer of SDL. Oclaro Inc.