Test and measurement specialist Viavi Solutions has appointed Oleg Khaykin as its new president and chief executive officer, effective February 3, 2016. He also joins the company’s board of directors.
He replaces interim president and CEO Richard E. Belluzzo, who will continue his position as chairman of the board of directors.
Belluzzo stepped in after former chief executive Thomas Waechter departed in August 2015, less than two weeks after Viavi was formed by the separation of JDSU into two separate entities (see Divide and conquer: JDSU to split into Viavi and Lumentum).
Khaykin brings more than 28 years of industry experience to Viavi. Prior to joining Viavi, Khaykin was a senior advisor with Silver Lake Partners. Before that, he was president and CEO of International Rectifier from 2008 until its acquisition by Infineon AG in the January of 2015. He has also served as chief operating officer of Amkor Technology and Vice president of strategy and business development at Conexant Systems. Earlier in his career Khaykin spent eight years with The Boston Consulting Group and prior to that, he was an engineer at Motorola.
“I am pleased to welcome Oleg to Viavi,” said Belluzzo, Viavi’s chairman. “Oleg is an accomplished technology CEO with an impressive track record, including the success in transforming International Rectifier.”
Belluzzo added, “The board feels Oleg is an excellent choice to capitalise on our recent progress and lead the company to achieve our goals of growth and expanded profitability. I look forward to working with Oleg to ensure a successful transition.”