MetaSwitch Appoints Lazar CEO

MetaSwitch, a provider of voice-over-IP communications software and systems, announced that John Lazar, formerly president and chief operating officer of the company's Carrier Division, has been promoted to CEO.

Lazar takes over for founder Ian Ferguson, who continues as chairman. The privately held company also on Tuesday announced the appointment of Redback Networks vice chairman Kevin DeNuccio to its board.

In his new role, Lazar will oversee the company's Network Protocols and Carrier divisions, while Phil McConnell and Graeme MacArthur, respectively, continue as general managers of the two divisions. MetaSwitch said in the coming months it plans to consolidate all its products and business operations, including the Network Protocols Division, under the MetaSwitch brand.

MetaSwitch's cable customers include Bresnan Communications and NPG Cable. Telco customers include AT&T, Embarq and Frontier Communications.