Technology >> CEO Interviews >> January 12, 2009
ROBERT SWITZ was named Chairman of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., in July 2008
and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2003. Mr.
Switz has played an instrumental role in transforming ADC in recent years,
developing and implementing strategies that enabled the company's return to
profitability in the broadband marketplace and securing the company's position
as one of the leading global providers of network infrastructure for
communications service providers. He has led ADC to five straight years of
revenue growth, improved profitability and increased cash flow by strategically
aligning the company with the high-growth segments of fiber-based and wireless
communications networks. Prior to his President and CEO positions, Mr. Switz
served ADC as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
company. He joined ADC as CFO in January 1994 and has also served the company as
Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President during his tenure. Throughout
his ADC career, Mr. Switz has held leadership responsibilities for numerous
critical functions including strategic planning, business development, corporate
technology, marketing communications, sales operations and information systems.
As President of ADC's Broadband Access and Transport Group, he led the company's
second largest operating group to revenues of $1 billion in fiscal year 2000.
Before joining ADC, he served as Vice President, European Operations, Ventures
and Finance (CFO) at Burr-Brown Corporation, Tucson, Arizona. At Burr-Brown, he
had management responsibilities for five startup ventures and seven European
manufacturing and distribution subsidiaries. He also held responsibility for
corporate finance, legal, MIS, accounting, purchasing, physical resources,
facilities, investor relations and business development. He served Burr-Brown
from 1988 to 1994. Prior to Burr-Brown, Mr. Switz held senior financial
management positions at Gulfstar Inc. (1986-1988), PepsiCo (1985-1986), AMF
(1979-1985) and Olin Corporation (1971-1979). Mr. Switz serves as a Director on
the Boards of Micron Technology, Inc., Broadcom Corporation and the
Telecommunications Industry Association. He received recognition as a finalist
in American Business Awards for Best Executive in 2004 through 2008 and Best
Turnaround Executive in 2005 through 2008. In 1999, he was a recipient of the
CFO Excellence award from CFO Magazine. He holds an MBA in Finance from the
University of Bridgeport as well as a BS in Marketing/Economics from Quinnipiac
University in Hamden, Connecticut. Profile
of the things you are doing at the present time.
Mr. Switz: ADC is a company that has been in business for 70
