OTTAWA -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today announced the appointment of Dr. Stan Swirhun as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s optical electronics business. Dr. Swirhun is well known in the industry as a founder and the CEO of Picolight Inc., a rapidly growing private company specializing in VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser)-based optical components and transceivers.

Dr. Swirhun brings to Zarlink over 25 years of entrepreneurial, management and technology experience in the micro and optical electronics industries. He led Colorado-based Picolight from 1997 to 2004, and before that was VP of Engineering and then CTO at Vixel Corporation, where he guided the company’s product and customer strategies in storage area networks.

“Prior to joining Zarlink, Stan assessed our opto electronics business and identified areas of strength and opportunity,” said Zarlink CEO Kirk Mandy. “He is an expert in large-scale market creation and product development programs, and we are confident of his ability to grow our optical revenues.”

Zarlink has four decades of experience in designing and manufacturing advanced optical electronic products. The company offers a complete portfolio of transmitters, receivers, and single and parallel optical fiber modules for markets including commercial and industrial communications and military/security. Dr. Swirhun will focus on continued development of differentiated modules for niche markets and operational improvements to boost profits.

“Zarlink’s opto electronics business has a robust portfolio of technology,” said Dr. Swirhun. “The optical components market has experienced great consolidation over the past few years and Zarlink has emerged as a leader in advanced optical components and customization.”

Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.