French optical transport vendor Ekinops appointed Lionel Chmilewsky as its new CEO.

Chmilewsky will replace interim CEO Philippe Moulin, who will shift across to serve as COO. Moulin held the interim role since October of last year, following the departure of Didier Brédy after almost 20 years at the helm.

The new CEO joins from cybersecurity firm TrustBuilder, where Chmilewsky led the charge on the French vendor’s identity and access management (IAM) services.

Prior to TrustBuilder, Chmilewsky made his name in the U.K., with CEO roles for Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited (CNBL) and Corero Network Security. He joined the latter in 2020 after serving more than seven years at CNBL.

The network veteran’s first CEO stint was leading IP communications for Comverse, leading from 2009 until the company’s eventual cessation via various split-outs in 2012.

The Comverse role came after an executive VP stint at Proxim Wireless between 2004 to 2009, and as EMEA MD for telecom testing platform Exfo at the turn of the century. Earlier roles included VP of sales for Exfo rival Viavi Solutions from 1997 to 2000, and as Nokia’s sales VP for its mobile communications, a decade-long stint beginning in 1987.

In his new role at Ekinops, Chmilewsky is expected to draw on his recent security experience to develop the firm’s charge in secure access service edge (SASE), as unveiled last year in its so-called Bridge strategy pivot. The firm will be continuing with the optical services it has provided since its founding in 2003, where it has focused on the metro optical transport segment and wavelength division multiplexing(WDM) gear.

“I look forward to putting my expertise to work alongside Ekinops’ teams and contributing to the Group’s future success in high-growth markets," Chmilewsky said on his new appointment. "Ekinops is a recognized leader in its technological fields, with strong teams and an impressive customer base around the world.”

Ekinops Chairman Hugues Lepic added: “Lionel brings deep technology and leadership experience, particularly in telecommunications and cybersecurity. His mission will be to continue driving international business development and to further strengthen the Group’s direct and indirect sales organizations under the Bridge strategic plan, reinforcing Ekinops’ positioning in data center interconnection (DCI) for optical transport and cybersecurity (SASE). We would also like to thank Philippe Moulin for his commitment and successful leadership during the transition period.”