Management board

Dr. 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, China and, more recently, the Middle East. 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 product portfolio, defining the product strategy and building the group’s standing as a global innovator in optical networking. Strategic partnerships and mergers & acquisitions are an integral part of this strategy. Additionally, in January 2015, Christoph took on responsibility for global operations, enabling ADVA Optical Networking to integrate research and development, new product introduction and global operations into a unified development operations team. 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 Coriant).

Ulrich Dopfer joined ADVA Optical Networking in March 2004 and led the Group through some key financial initiatives taking on increasing responsibility over time. In 2006 Ulrich moved to Norcross, Georgia, where he is still based today. Prior to his appointment as CFO in January 2015, Ulrich served as vice president of financial planning & analysis and corporate services where he strategically optimized major processes, systems and support infrastructure, enabling ADVA Optical Networking to maintain the right balance between vision and execution. Combining his operational expertise with his vast financial skills and strong leadership style, Ulrich provides ADVA Optical Networking with the ability to flexibly steer the group in a volatile high-growth environment, to ensure profitable growth. In addition to his CFO role, Ulrich was appointed president of the company’s North American subsidiary in January 2015, assuming full legal responsibilities for the region. Ulrich’s activities at ADVA Optical Networking build on more than 20 years’ experience of designing and implementing financial reporting, performance measurements, policies and standards to maintain strong internal controls in corporate roles including positions at ESCADA AG and FJH AG.

Scott St. John has spent over 25 years in the network technology industry. He has a proven track record of building high performance teams in sales, marketing and customer service, as well as driving strategy to meet overall corporate goals. Scott joined ADVA Optical Networking in 2017, as part of the acquisition of MRV Communications, and was appointed CMSO and a member of the management board in October of 2017. Prior to his role at ADVA, Scott was SVP of global sales and service at MRV Communications since 2014, re-structuring the sales and service teams and driving adoption of new packet and optical platforms by over 175 customers globally.  From 2004 to 2013, he served Overture Networks in senior sales and service leadership roles, delivering nine consecutive years of sales growth. Scott has also held sales leadership positions at Saisei, Larscom and VINA Technologies, as well as sales, marketing and finance roles at Lucent Technologies and AT&T.