Management Board

ADVA Optical Networking is led by a dynamic, international, experienced and highly-motivated team. Leading, directing and managing the firm’s growth are four executive officers:

From left to right: Jaswir Singh, Christian Unterberger, Christoph Glingener, Brian Protiva

Brian Protiva, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, Stanford University, USA

Brian Protiva co-founded ADVA Optical Networking in 1994 and, as one of two managing directors, he focused on creating ADVA Optical Networking’s marketing, sales and growth strategy. In 2001, Brian was appointed CEO and set in motion the strategies that fuel the Company’s success today. Under his leadership, ADVA Optical Networking advanced to become the global market leader in Ethernet access devices and one of the top players in metro Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) worldwide. To date, ADVA Optical Networking's innovative Optical+Ethernet solutions have been deployed at more than 10,000 enterprises and more than 250 carriers around the world. Revenues reached more than EUR 232 million in 2009, while employment climbed to 1,100 employees at year-end 2009. Prior to ADVA Optical Networking, Brian was managing director at AMS Technologies (now the EGORA Group), which he joined in 1987 and where he focused on co-managing its subsidiaries.

Christoph Glingener, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Ph.D. in electrical engineering, University of Dortmund, Germany

Christoph Glingener joined ADVA Optical Networking in April 2006, assuming responsibility for all global engineering activities at sites in Europe, the United States and China. In 2007,
Christoph assumed the role of CTO, and in addition to research and engineering also leads ADVA Optical Networking's product management and strategic materials management teams. Christoph has focused on strengthening and streamlining ADVA Optical Networking's innovative product strategy and portfolio, significantly enhancing the Company's standing as a global leader.

Christoph brought extensive experience to ADVA Optical Networking, gained in leading positions at Marconi Communications (now Ericsson) and before at Siemens Communications (now Nokia Siemens Networks).

Jaswir Singh, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Master of Advanced Business Practice, University of South Australia, Australia
Master of Accountancy, with distinction, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Member, CPA Australia

Jaswir Singh joined ADVA Optical Networking in November 2007 to enable the Company's next growth stage. Since joining the Company, he has worked to solidify ADVA Optical Networking's financial position, including strengthening the balance sheet, improving internal controls and processes to ensure accuracy of financial statements, implementing strategies to manage working capital, improve cash generation, cash flow and net liquidity, and minimizing foreign currency exposure. In early 2009, Jaswir also assumed the COO function, whereby he manages the Company's daily global manufacturing, supply chain and logistics activities. Additionally, in July 2009, he took over responsibility for the Group's global business systems and information technology activities, and also assumed the role of president of our North American subsidiary, maintaining full legal responsibilities for the region. Jaswir has a long and successful background with global telecommunications and high-tech companies, including Nokia, Inc. (the North American subsidiary of Nokia); AirDefense, Inc; and Equant, Inc. (a division of the France Telecom Group now known as Orange Business Services). Jaswir has more than 20 years experience in senior general management, CFO and operations roles, including managing USD multi-billion enterprises globally. He has established and led financial, business operations, commercial management, legal, customer service, human resources and quality management teams in many parts of the world and held responsibility for regional and global profitability. In his global finance roles, he has designed and implemented financial processes and controls that ensured profitable growth and established metrics and fundamentals to drive positive change for all company stakeholders. Further, he has successfully established businesses and completed joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions in many countries.

Christian Unterberger, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CSMO) 
Diploma in electrical engineering (Diplom-Ingenieur), Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria

Christian Unterberger joined ADVA Optical Networking in October 2007 to drive corporate sales and service revenue through a comprehensive and proactive global program, benefiting from extensive sales experience in the telecommunications industry. Since July 2009, Christian is also charged with determining product positioning and market launch strategies, as well as promoting the Company’s global brand identity. Prior to joining ADVA Optical Networking, Christian was appointed head of the Service Core and Applications business at Nokia Siemens Networks, where primary responsibilities included managing the global activities of the unit. Before that, he was with Siemens Communications (now Nokia Siemens Networks) for 20 years, where he progressed through the ranks, holding sales and management positions of increasing responsibility, including positions overseeing Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. He concluded his career at Siemens Communications as president of the company’s global Fixed Networks business.