STL has appointed Paul Atkinson as the CEO for its optical networking business.
Paul’s appointment is in line with the widened portfolio and the increased global reach of STL’s Optical business.
Before STL, Paul Atkinson was managing director and group CEO at IXOM, Australia. Prior to that, he was associated with Prysmian for more than 20 years as the 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. He has also held senior roles in commercial, finance and operations in the consumer goods and healthcare sectors.
Paul takes over this responsibility from Ankit Agarwal, who has played a crucial role in STL's global expansion in the Optical business. Ankit widened the 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 the strategy and growth across STL.
Welcoming Paul, Agarwal said: ‘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.’
Atkinson added: ‘Digital networks are key to the 4th industrial revolution, where optical technologies are taking centre stage. TL has the right expertise and ambition to service network creators across the globe. I am very excited to lead the optical networking business, which will shape the future digital landscape.’
Anand Agarwal, STL’s group CEO, STL, said: ‘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.’