New Focus Announces Organizational Change

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 4 – New Focus Inc., manufacturer of lasers and optical products, announced the departure of Paul G. Smith, vice president and general manager for a portion of the company's telecom business. Smith is leaving to become president and CEO of a privately held, venture-backed telecom systems company in San Jose. New Focus also stated that net revenue for this year's first quarter ended April 1 should fall within the $38 to $41 million range announced in early March.

"Paul has been a significant contributor to the success of New Focus. We wish him all the best and thank him for his dedication and support over the past three years," said Kenneth E. Westrick, president and CEO of New Focus.

Westrick will assume responsibility for Smith's sales and marketing functions on an interim basis. Timothy Day, vice president, chief technology officer and co-founder, will expand his role and directly lead the company's research and development efforts. Previously, Day focused on the company's strategic technology initiatives and acted in an advisory capacity on research and development programs.