ADC | 13625 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 | Phone: 952-938-8080 | Fax: 952.917.1717

When he became CEO of ADC Telecommunications five years ago, Robert Switz announced a goal to make ADC a global leader in communications network infrastructure by focusing on technologies essential to building both wired and wireless communications networks and expanding sales outside of the United States. Since then, ADC has outpaced its peer companies to achieved exemplary results, including five straight years of revenue growth (from $545 million in 2003 to $1.32 billion in 2007); improved profitability (its gross margins were 33.5 percent last year); and increased cash flow. As the company's sales have grown, so have the percentage of sales from  outside of the United States—from 24 percent in 2003 to 39  percent in 2007.


Born: October 7, 1946 in Waterbury, Connecticut

Spouse: Joanne, married 1969

Children: Aaron and Ryan

Education: MBA in Finance from the University of Bridgeport and BS in Marketing/Economics from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

Career History: Named President and CEO of ADC in August 2003. Previously served ADC as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the company and as CFO from January of 1994 until his appointment as CEO. Throughout his tenure at ADC, he has held leadership responsibilities for numerous critical functions including strategic planning, business development, corporate technology, marketing communications, sales operations, and information systems. Served as president of the Broadband Access and Transport Group, ADC's second largest operating group with fiscal year 2000 revenues of $1 b illion. Prior to joining ADC, he served as vice president, European Operations, Ventures & Finance (CFO) at Burr-Brown Corporation, Tucson, Arizona. At Burr-Brown, he held management responsibilities for five start-up ventures and seven European manufacturing and distribution subsidiaries. He also held responsibility for corporate finance, legal, MIS, accounting, purchasing, physical resources, facilities, investor relations and business development. He served Burr-Brown from 1988 to 1994. Prior to Burr-Brown, he held senior financial management positions at Gulfstar Inc. (1986-1988), PepsiCo (1985-1986), AMF (1979-1985), and Olin Corporation (1971-1979).

Activities: Serves as a director on the boards of Micron Technology, Inc. (NYSE: MU); Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM); and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). Away from work, Bob enjoys boating, motorcycling, and wine collecting.

Awards: Finalist in American Business Awards for Best Executive from 2003 to 2008 and Best Turnaround Executive from 2005 to 2008. CFO Excellence award from CFO Magazine, 1999.

Key Achievements: Has played an instrumental role in transforming ADC in recent years, developing and implementing restructuring strategies to ensure the company's return to profitability in the broadband marketplace and secure the company’s position as one of the leading global providers of network infrastructure for communications service providers. Has led ADC to five straight years of revenue growth, improved profitability, and increased cash flow.