Juniper Networks this week announced the appointment of Stephen Elop to the newly created position of COO.

Elop will report directly to Chairman and CEO Scott Kriens, and reporting to Elop will be the leaders of Juniper's enterprise and service provider businesses, corporate development, global sales and service, marketing and IT organizations.

Elop most recently served as president of worldwide field operations at Adobe Systems. Elop was responsible for Adobe's global sales organization and oversaw sales, field marketing, partners, customer care and professional services. He joined Adobe through the company's 2005 acquisition of Macromedia where he was president and CEO.

During his seven-year tenure at Macromedia, he held many senior positions including COO, executive vice president of worldwide field operations, and general manager of the company's eBusiness division. Earlier in his career, he served in a number of CIO and executive positions.

Kriens will continue to be responsible for the company's overall business performance as well as the company's strategy, communication and talent development.