Fibre optic and cable manufacturer AFL, which has its UK headquarters in Swindon, has appointed Phil Edwards as president of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa).
Mr Edwards, pictured, will be responsible for leading the business strategy and operations in the EMEA region and building the infrastructure needed to support growth for US-owned AFL. 
Its Swindon facility, on the Hawksworth industrial estate, manufactures and supplies fibre optic cable throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The plant was originally owned by Focas, a hi-tech business launched by Swindon cabling firm Raychem.
Mr Edwards was group president of cable firm Draka Communications prior to its merger with Prysmian Group in 2011, when he became executive vice president of telecom business at Prysmian.
AFL president and CEO Jody Gallagher said: “AFL recognises a tremendous opportunity to build our business in the EMEA region.
“Bringing Phil on board adds a proven leader to our team, and positions us to take full advantage of the market opportunities.
“His background and experiences in the telecom industry is truly impressive and I am pleased to have Phil join our leadership team.”
Mr Edwards is a graduate of Swansea University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics.
AFL employs more than 2,000 people in bases in the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, the UK and Germany.
