Digital networks integrator STL on Sept. 2 announced its appointment of Paul Atkinson as chief executive officer for the company's optical networking business. Atkinson’s appointment is in line with the company's widened portfolio and the increased global reach of STL’s optical business, said a company statement.
With its core focus of "enabling digital transformation at the edge," STL has been delivering optical technologies for telcos, cloud companies, governments and enterprises globally. "The world is witnessing concurrent network build cycles of 5G, FTTx and rural broadband and optical solutions will be at the heart of these," notes STL. To cater to these mega-trends, STL says it has been widening its product portfolio and scale, as well as globalizing its optical business at a rapid pace.
“Digital networks are key to the 4th industrial revolution, where optical technologies are taking center stage. With over 25 years of expertise, STL is expanding its scope and scaling globally," commented Atkinson. "STL has the right expertise and ambition to service network creators across the globe. I am very excited to lead the [company's] Optical Networking business, which will shape the future digital landscape.”
Before STL, Atkinson was managing director and group CEO at IXOM, Australia. Prior to IXOM, he was associated with Prysmian Group for over 20 years as that company's CEO of affiliates and regions across the world. During this stint, he led multiple successful business integrations and was pivotal in delivering non-linear growth across geographies and business lines. Before Prysmian, Atkinson held senior roles in commercial, finance and operations in the consumer goods and healthcare sectors.
Atkinson takes over the responsibilities of CEO for STL's optical networking business from Ankit Agarwal, who has played a crucial role in STL's global expansion of its optical business. Agarwal widened the company's portfolio with the acquisition of Optotec & Metallurgica Bresciana and increased STL’s scale and presence in Italy, UK, US, Brazil and China. As a whole-time director on the board, Ankit will now focus on driving strategy and growth across STL as a whole.
Welcoming Atkinson, Agarwal commented, “Leading the optical business has been an incredible journey during which we became global and achieved many firsts. With STL accelerating its efforts in optical innovation, I welcome Paul who with his deep, global expertise will take the business to greater heights. As we look forward to a decade of network creation, I am excited about expanding my focus to drive STL's ambitious growth plans with disruptive strategies.”
Commenting on the appointments, Dr. Anand Agarwal, Group CEO, STL, concluded, “Optical connectivity and networks have always been our core and with Ankit at the helm, we have passionately put this business on the global map. I look forward to partnering with Ankit in the strategic growth of the company. I welcome Paul and wish him the best. I am confident that with his exceptional global experience, he will take the Optical Networking business to the next level.”
Learn more at www.stl.tech.