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 three executive officers:

Brian Protiva, Chief Executive Officer 
Christoph Glingener, Chief Technology Officer 
Jaswir Singh, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer 

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

Brian Protiva co-founded ADVA Optical Networking in 1994. As the CEO, he is responsible for overall strategy, human resources, quality management, sales and marketing. Under Brian’s 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 carrier networks around the world. Revenues reached EUR 330 million in 2012, while employment climbed to 1,378 employees at year-end 2012. 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 research and development activities at sites in Europe, the United States and China. In 2007, Christoph was appointed CTO. Since that time, he also leads ADVA Optical Networking's product management and advanced technology teams. Christoph has focused on streamlining ADVA Optical Networking's innovative product portfolio, defining the product strategy and building the Company's standing as a global leader in optical networking. Christoph's activities at ADVA Optical Networking build on a long and successful industry career with experience gained in both academic and corporate roles. These include leading positions at Marconi Communications (now Ericsson) and 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 of 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 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 the North American subsidiary of Nokia; AirDefense (now part of Motorola); and Equant (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.