IWCS - International Cable & Connectivity Symposium, the global conference for new technologies in cable and connectivity products, processes and applications, announced that it has elected Guy Castonguay of Corning Optical Communications and Ben Waite of the Fiber Optic Center (FOC - New Bedford, MA) to the IWCS board of directors.
Guy Castonguay (above) is director of technology at Corning Optical Communications. He has been active on the IWCS symposium committee since 2010 and was the committee chairman in 2015. He has worked in the telecom industry for 32 years, mainly in product development engineering roles, starting his career with Nortel in 1985 and transitioning to Corning in 1995. During his career, he has led organizations focused on development of products for telecom, CATV and enterprise networks. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration from Laval University, Quebec, Canada, and holds 21 patents covering copper and fiber-optic passive components for telecommunications. “I’m looking forward to working with the board members to promote the IWCS vision and support the growth of technology and our industry,” said Castonguay.
Ben Waite (above) is president and CEO of Fiber Optic Center (FOC), an international specialist in distributing fiber-optic components, equipment and supplies. He brings to IWCS extensive experience in technical field work, business strategy, manufacturing and engineering management. Starting in technical sales management at FOC in 1995, he became the company's business development manager, then executive vice president, before becoming its CEO. His previous experience with New England Fiberoptic Council includes board membership for seven years, during which he was elected secretary, treasurer and president, to help promote the fiber optics industry within New England. Among his skills are an in-depth knowledge of the fiber-optic industry and of cable assembly manufacturing, strategic planning, and performance and quality standards. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, USA. “I am honored to serve on the IWCS board,” Waite said. “I look forward to working together with the board and management team to continue to deliver their compelling vision focusing on the expansion of connectivity.”
“We are fortunate to add these two individuals who bring a wealth of experience to IWCS,” concludes Robert Wessels of CommScope, Inc., chairman of the IWCS board of directors. “Their depth of knowledge of the connectorization of cabling infrastructure will be an asset as we strengthen our connectivity content and industry presence.”
For more information, visit www.iwcs.org.