August 10, 2004 Fremont, CA--Avanex Corporation announced that it has named Jo Major as president and chief executive officer of the company, effective August 18, 2004. In his new role, Major succeeds Walter Alessandrini, who has served as the company's chairman, president and chief executive officer since November 2002. Alessandrini will continue as chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, and Major will also join the Avanex board.

Major is a 15-year optical communications veteran with a demonstrated track record of identifying and realizing optical networking growth opportunities. He has an extensive record of accomplishment in the optical components industry, having most recently held the position of senior vice president and general manager of the Components Business Group of JDS Uniphase, which he joined in 2001. Prior to joining JDS Uniphase, Major was vice president of Optical Pump Business Unit at SDL, Inc.