SMC Hires Ex-Cisco Exec Wytanis As COO

Data-networking equipment manufacturer SMC Networks has hired Joe Wytanis, who formerly headed the home networking business unit of Scientific Atlanta and Cisco Systems, as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Wytanis was with Cisco/SA for 11 years, from 2000 to the fall of 2011, growing the home-networking business to more than 40 million units shipped worldwide and more than $275 million in annual revenue. He also has held senior-level positions with Northern Telecom, AT&T and Panasonic.

Wytanis, who will remain based in the Atlanta area, reports to SMC CEO Alex Kim.

"Joe has proven his leadership and expertise with an impressive career that has spanned over 25 years at some of the world's largest equipment providers," Kim said in a statement. "I am thrilled he is joining SMC Networks to lead the company's next phase of growth."

Irvine, Calif.-based SMC is an "approved vendor" for 12 of the top 14 cable operators in North America. The company's products for commercial and residential markets cover a range of wireless and wired solutions, including DOCSIS 3.0-based gateways.