Mitel Networks Corp. has chosen a communications industry veteran as its new chief executive officer. Richard McBee, who had been president of the communications and enterprise group of Danaher Corp., will replace Don Smith as of Jan. 17 at the Ottawa-based maker of unified communications software and equipment. Smith announced he was stepping down last September.
At Danaher, McBee oversaw the Fluke Networks and Tektronix divisions, which specialize in network management, test and monitoring gear.
McBee joined Washington, D.C.-based Danaher in 2007 when it bought Tektronix Communications, where he was president. He holds an M.B.A. from Chapman School of Business and Economics and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in 1986.
“Rich brings with him exceptional operational leadership and a proven ability to drive growth and increase market share”, Mitel chairman Terence Matthews, said in a news release. “We are excited to have Rich lead our talented management team and position the company for long-term sustainable growth.”
“It is an honor to lead Mitel as it enters its next phase of growth backed by a comprehensive suite of IP-based solutions and a strong network of global partners,” McBee said in the release.
McBee takes over at a time when the North American and European markets are struggling to recover from recession. The company, which went public nine months ago, reported net income of US$80.9 million on revenue of US$161 million for its most recent quarter ending Oct. 31. However, virtually all of that income was due to the relief of a valuation allowance, the company said.