Ixia Finds New CEO in Ex-HP Networking Exec Mayer

Network optimizer and application delivery specialist Ixia (XXIA), which reported an $18 million net loss for its Q1 2014, has landed Bethany Mayer, a former Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) top networking executive and 25-year industry veteran, as its new president and chief executive.

Mayer’s appointment will become effective one day after Ixia makes current its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ixia did not file either its Q1 or Q2 10-Q forms on time and the Nasdaq has threatened to delist its common stock if it does not bring its reporting current by Sept. 12, 2014.

Once Mayer officially joins Ixia, she also will gain a seat on the company’s board of directors. She replaces former Ixia boss Vic Alston, who resigned last year after an audit committee discovered he’d lied about certain aspects of his background and academic credentials.

Errol Ginsberg, Ixia chairman, said Mayer’s virtualization experience was “paramount” for the company, which specializes in software, hardware and services for network testing, monitoring and optimization.

“Bethany was instrumental in pioneering HP’s SDN and NFV initiatives, product strategies and ecosystem development, and she possesses a deep knowledge of the network equipment and security markets,” Ginsberg said. “Additionally, Bethany is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of achieving sustainable growth while improving organizational efficiencies that deliver bottom-line results.”

Mayer, who HP reassigned last February to run its new Network Functions Virtualization business after her successful tenure heading the vendor’s $2.5 billion networking equipment unit since 2011, said, “Ixia is at the forefront of enabling the development, deployment, monitoring and security of mobile, virtualized, cloud and wireline networks. It is an honor to build upon Ixia’s strong legacy and foundation at this pivotal time for the company and the networking industry.”

Prior to running HP’s networking business and the NFV unit, Mayer served as HP’s Enterprise Servers Storage and Networking Group vice president. Before joining HP, Mayer held down Blue Coat Systems’ Worldwide Marketing and Corporate Development senior vice president post as well as product marketing roles at Cisco (CSCO) and Apple (AAPL).