Ben Waite to become president, CEO of Fiber Optic Center

Fiber Optic Center, Inc. (FOC), which distributes fiber-optic components, equipment, and supplies, has announced that current Executive Vice President Ben Waite will become president and CEO as of January 1, 2016. Waite will replace founder and current president and CEO Neal Weiss, who will continue in a part-time advisory role.

Waite joined FOC in 1995 and has led the Sales Department of the privately held company in achieving steady growth year to year, according to an FOC press release. Waite has been groomed for this role over the past four years, the company states.

"Having Ben to help me grow and lead the company for over 20 years has been a privilege and a blessing," said Weiss. "In that time, suppliers and customers have commented positively on his performance; ‘You got the right guy,' is a typical quote from them."

Weiss founded FOC in January 1992 as a spinoff of the fiber business of Boston Electronics Corp. (BEC), an importer and exporter of laser components that he joined in 1981. FOC grew to specialize in the supply of a wide range of fiber-optic technologies, from connectors and consumables to draw towers and MCVD gas systems (see, for example, "Fiber Optic Center offers AngstromLap ULTIMAS Final Polish Lapping Film" and "Fiber Optic Center unveils low-stress, low-outgassing epoxy"). The company recently strengthened its consulting capabilities through a partnership with Northern Lights Cable founder Wayne M. Kachmar (see "Fiber Optic Center partners with Northern Lights Cable founder for consulting services").

In addition to his duties at FOC, Weiss has been active in music production through the founding of Whaling City Sound.

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