Ciena has announced that Patrick H. Nettles, Ph.D., will step down as Executive Chair of its Board of Directors, transitioning toward retirement after the company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This marks the conclusion of an illustrious 30-year career with Ciena, during which Dr. Nettles played a transformative role in shaping the company’s growth and establishing it as a global leader in the networking industry. Effective December 11, 2024, Lawton W. Fitt has been named independent Chair of the Board, succeeding Dr. Nettles, who will remain a member of the Board until his formal retirement, providing guidance during the leadership transition.
A physicist by training, Dr. Nettles joined Ciena in 1994 as its President and Chief Executive Officer when the company was still in its early stages. Over the next several years, he steered the company through pivotal milestones, including its initial public offering in 1997 and the development of its cutting-edge optical networking technology. As Ciena’s first CEO, he oversaw the company’s rapid expansion and established its reputation for innovation in telecommunications. In 2000, Dr. Nettles transitioned to Chair of the Board and became Executive Chair in 2001, a role he has held for over two decades, during which he continued to provide strategic leadership and guidance.
Lawton W. Fitt, who has served on Ciena’s Board since 2000, will assume the role of independent Chair. With decades of experience in corporate governance and finance, Ms. Fitt has been deeply involved in Ciena’s strategic decisions, including her tenure as chair of the Audit Committee. Her background includes leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and directorships at prominent organizations such as The Carlyle Group and The Progressive Corporation. Ciena’s President and CEO Gary Smith expressed confidence in Ms. Fitt’s ability to guide the company’s Board during this new chapter.
Reflecting on Dr. Nettles’ retirement, Smith commented, “Pat played an instrumental role in laying the foundation of the company during our formative years and further helped establish Ciena as a global industry leader. He will leave a lasting impact on the company and the industry at large, and we are extremely grateful for his many contributions.”
• Patrick H. Nettles will retire following Ciena’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
• Nettles served as President and CEO from 1994 to 2000 and as Executive Chair since 2001.
• His tenure included leading Ciena through its IPO and driving innovation in optical networking.
• Lawton W. Fitt, a Ciena Board member since 2000, will succeed Nettles as Chair of the Board.
• Nettles’ leadership helped transform Ciena into a global leader in networking technologies.
