Accedian Networks has announced that Mr. George Riedel has agreed to join Accedian Networks' Board of Directors and serve as its Chairman. Throughout his career, Mr. Riedel has been responsible for leading corporate strategy including business development, mergers and acquisitions for a number of highly successful telecommunications innovators including Nortel and Juniper.

"I'm excited to lend my experience in emerging technologies, market opportunities and strategic partnerships to Accedian Networks," said George Riedel, Chief Strategy Officer and President, Business Units for Nortel. "I'm looking forward to helping Accedian continue its growth, and expand its market share world-wide."

"George's strategic thinking and leadership in the telecommunications industry will help Accedian to achieve our commercial goals in 2011," said Patrick Ostiguy, Accedian's President & CEO. "His contacts within the industry will be instrumental in helping us to rapidly develop the partnerships and alliances necessary to accelerate our commercial activities."

Prior to joining Nortel, Riedel was vice president, strategy and corporate development for Juniper Networks, leading corporate strategy, business development and mergers and acquisitions. His previous career experience includes 15 years at the management consulting firm of McKinsey and Company, where he co-led telecom and high-tech practices in North America and Asia. He has also served as an engineering manager at Exxon Co. USA. In addition to Accedian Networks, Riedel also sits on the Boards of Blade Networks and Chromatic Systems.

Riedel holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with distinction from the University of Virginia. He is based in Boston.