The telecommunications industry is built on the shoulders of visionaries, and Steve Alexander is unquestionably one of them. After three decades of leadership, Steve is retiring, so we are taking a moment to honor his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.
Steve Alexander joined Ciena in 1994 as one of our first employees at a time when the company was just a fledgling startup. Over the years, Steve’s vision has guided Ciena through a series of industry-defining innovations. From architecting advanced DWDM systems to his guidance as CTO in developing technologies for metro and long-haul networks, his contributions have shaped how the world communicates today.
Steve Alexander, pictured in the early days at Ciena, showing off the MultiWave 1600 Transmission System, the first Ciena DWDM system shipped.
Steve has continually challenged us to push the boundaries of what's possible in telecommunications. Whether comparing Ciena’s role in networks to that of the circulatory system of the human body or advising customers to prioritize the optical layer as the "foundation of their house," Steve’s insights reflected both brilliance and practicality, demonstrating his unique ability to synthesize technical challenges with real-world solutions.
But Steve’s legacy is about more than technology. He instilled a culture of curiosity, teamwork, and empathy at Ciena, championing a collaborative approach that inspired teams across the organization. His hiring motto, “always hire people smarter than you,” underscores his commitment to advancing collective progress.
Steve, your Ciena family, and the entire telecom industry, thank you for your visionary leadership, your contributions to technical advancements, and your genuine humility. Your legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of innovators to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
To celebrate Steve's career, check out this Light Reading podcast interview where he reflects on his professional milestones, the future of networking, and the lessons he learned over the years.
