Cisco Executive Joins EXFO's Board of Directors

QUEBEC CITY, Sept. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today the appointment of Pierre-Paul Allard to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Allard, who has more than 20 years of experience in the global telecommunications and information technology (IT) industries, is currently Area Vice-President, Sales for Cisco Systems Inc. He's held several executive management positions during his 16-year career at Cisco, including amongst others Vice-President, Worldwide Enterprise Marketing, where he was responsible for developing, communicating and driving the marketing vision and strategy for Cisco's worldwide enterprise market, representing 50% of the company's $35-billion business.

Mr. Allard also served as President and CEO of Cisco Systems Canada, where he led the development of one of the Cisco's most successful international operations. Prior to joining Cisco, Mr. Allard held various positions at IBM Canada.

The appointment of Mr. Allard maintains the number of people on EXFO's Board of Directors at six, including five independent members. He replaces Michael Unger who passed away earlier this year.

"I'm delighted that Pierre-Paul has agreed to join our Board of Directors," said Germain Lamonde, EXFO's Chairman of the Board, President and CEO. "His vast experience and deep contacts in the Telecom and Enterprise markets, in-depth knowledge of the converged IT/IP world, and proven business acumen in complex market development initiatives are sure to bring a new perspective to our Board and a strong contribution to the ongoing development of EXFO."

Mr. Allard graduated from the University of Ottawa with degrees in business. He has served on the boards of several technology companies in the US and Canada, and remains active today in philanthropy with l'Institut de Cardiologie de Quebec. He also co-chaired the Canadian e-Business Initiative, a private-public partnership designed to identify and measure the role e-Business can play in raising productivity levels, creating jobs and advancing the competitive position of Canadian firms in the global marketplace.

"I'm pleased to join EXFO's Board of Directors given the strong track record of the company, good governance provided by Board, and the exciting segment in which the company is operating," Mr. Allard said. "I believe I can contribute to EXFO based on my lengthy experience in technology, sales, and market development as well as my business background."

"I would also like to highlight Mike's invaluable contribution over the past eight years to EXFO's Board, Board committees and to EXFO's management for his sound advice and indefatigable support. He'll be deeply missed," Mr. Lamonde added.

About EXFO

EXFO is a leading provider of test and monitoring solutions for network service providers and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The Telecom Division offers a wide range of innovative solutions extending across the full technology lifecycle - from design to technology deployment and onto service assurance - and covering all layers on a network infrastructure to enable triple-play services and next-generation, converged IP networking. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division offers solutions in medical device and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and other life science sectors. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

Contacts

Vance Oliver
Manager
Investor Relations
(418) 683-0913
Ext. 3733
vance.oliver@exfo.com