Simpler Networks Appoints Jean-Luc Abaziou As CEO Company Also Raises An Additional $9 Million In Financing

Simpler Networks Corp., technology leader driving the automation of copper distribution frames for local telecommunications service providers, today announced the appointment of Jean-Luc Abaziou as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Harry J. Carr who becomes the chairman of the company’s board of directors. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Abaziou served on the company’s board of directors and was a venture partner at Highland Capital, one of Simpler Networks’ investors. He has a long and impressive track record as an international senior executive at such technology leaders as Ericsson and Alcatel.


“Strategically, this is the right moment to have someone of Mr. Abaziou’s caliber take the helm of Simpler Networks,” Hubert Manseau, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Multiple Capital, said. “His international profile and extensive background in network infrastructures are key at a time when automated distribution frames are generating a lot of interest in Europe. Plus, the company recently raised $9 million in financing in addition to the $25 million C-round financing that was secured in 2006 from existing investors, for a total of $34 million. This puts the resources needed at their disposal to further their opportunities and prospects in Europe and North America.”


Simpler Networks has been drawing on its experience implementing systems based on MEMS-based technology in Europe and North America to work with European carriers as they refine their vision for automating distribution frames, and for capitalizing on the resulting rapid service delivery and reduced costs.


“As a board member for Simpler Networks, I became very familiar with the company’s technology, market potential and already strong management,” Jean-Luc Abaziou said. “My decision to come on board was an easy one given the confidence I have long had in this team. We have the talent, the vision and the continued financial backing of all of our investors. We are poised to become the world leader in automating copper distribution frames.”
As a venture partner at Highland Capital, a Simpler Networks investor, Mr. Abaziou specialized in investments in network infrastructure and wireless innovation. Prior to working with Highland Capital, Mr. Abaziou was Vice President and General Manager of Ericsson IP Infrastructure and President and CEO of both Torrent Networking Technologies and Alcatel Data Networks. He is an advisor for the French Foreign Commerce Ministry and has served on a number of boards and advisory boards, including for George Washington University, the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland and the French-American Chamber of Commerce. He currently sits on the board of California-based ANDA Networks.