Sterlite Technologies (STL), a provider of transmission solutions, on March 2 announced the appointment of Christopher Rice as the Chief Executive Officer for its Access Solutions Business. Chris's appointment reflects STL's strong focus on driving growth and innovation in the access segment.

Leveraging 25 years of experience in optical communications and system integration, STL is now expanding its capabilities across digital networks by building core solutions in the edge access area, both on the wireline and 5G wireless side.

With over 5 years of investment in access technologies and key product launches, the company has launched the Access Solutions Business Unit focusing on Open RAN, 5G, programmable FTTx, and controller/orchestration software. Chris is a seasoned technology executive who will lead this BU and advance STL's growth plans.Chris brings over 25 years of experience in the telecom industry. Prior to STL, he was associated with AT&T where he delivered on a multi-year technology strategy and vision for both the network and the underlying system’s evolution. He also led AT&T's pivot to software-defined networking (SDN), leading the team that built the fundamental automation and platform capabilities to drive this shift.

Chris holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida, a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, from Virginia Tech, and is a graduate from Rutgers' wireless information networks laboratory (WINLAB).

"The digital networking space is at an inflection point where open technologies and software-driven infrastructures are becoming increasingly relevant," said Chris Rice.

"STL is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this megatrend through its growing access portfolio that supports scale, latency, openness, and agility. Telecom companies require these characteristics across consumer and enterprise networks. I am very excited to lead this business and this impressive team. Together, we will build next-gen solutions to realise the full potential of fibre broadband and 5G. We will deliver these with programmability and at the cost points the industry is demanding," he added.

Commenting on Chris's appointment, Anand Agarwal, Group CEO, STL, said, "STL is committed to making open source and converged networks a reality. We have been investing in SDN for 5G wireless and fibre-based wireline networks for over 5 years. I am extremely excited to have Chris lead our Access solutions team. I am sure that with an exceptional track record in driving these major shifts globally, Chris will take the 5G and access solutions business to the next level and achieve technology and market leadership for STL. I welcome Chris to the STL family and wish him the best for this new journey."

Shares of the company gained Rs 4.75, or 2.20%, to trade  at  Rs 220.40.  The total volume of shares traded  was  142,550 at  the BSE (3.25 p.m, Tuesday).