Carrier IP communications solutions company MetaSwitch (News - Alert) today announced that the former president and chief operating officer of its Carrier Division will take on the role of  chief executive officer.

 

John Lazar is taking over executive responsibility for the entire company from founder Ian Ferguson, who will remain on as chairman.

 

The Alameda, California-based MetaSwitch is an industry-leading vendor of switching and applications solutions for both packet and circuit-switched networks. Its MetaSphere service delivery platform and applications suite enables a broad set of hosted IP communications services, while its core session control and media/signaling gateway products support a full range of Class 4/5 softswitch capabilities.

In this role Lazar will oversee MetaSwitch's Network Protocols and Carrier Divisions, and is expected in the coming months to help consolidate its products and business operations, including the Network Protocols Division, under the MetaSwitch brand.

 

“The opportunities ahead of us are truly exciting, and I am indebted to Ian Ferguson for building the culture, management team and strategy that have put us in such a strong position today," said Lazar.

 

Until the transition is complete, the network protocols business will continue to operate as Data Connection (DCL), according to the company.

 

The announcement was made at the company’s sixth annual MetaSwitch Forum taking place from April 6 to April 9, 2009 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. As TMCnet previously reported, MetaSwitch Forum 2009 is designed to help companies develop a clear roadmap for competitive strategies to build upon and is expected to provide plenty of learning experiences attendees can bring home to their teams.

 

In addition, Phil McConnell and Graeme MacArthur will continue as general managers of the two divisions.

 

"We have recognized over the last year that the company needed a CEO with the strategic vision, management capability, and stamina to see us into the next phase of our growth," said Ferguson, noting that Lazar's career spans roles in engineering, support, sales, marketing, and general management.

 

"We were exceptionally fortunate to have that talent within our own management ranks, and the entire Board unanimously agreed that John was right for this key executive post."

 

Lazar was also a key member of the founding team that established the MetaSwitch’s carrier division in North America in 2000, and serves ton the company's Board.

 

It was a busy opening at the MetaSwitch forum. The company also announced the appointment of Kevin DeNuccio to its Board of Directors. DeNuccio is vice chairman of Redback Networks (News - Alert), an Ericsson company. He also serves as a director on the board of JDS Uniphase Corp.

 

DeNuccio was President and CEO of Redback for eight years, and oversaw that company's successful transformation and ultimate acquisition by Ericsson (News - Alert).

 

"His knowledge and extensive experience in managing global service provider operations and corporate strategy will be invaluable as we look to continue MetaSwitch's position as a leader in carrier IP solutions," said Chairman of the Board Ferguson.