MetaSwitch Makes Executive Changes

MetaSwitch (Booth 809) has hired Michael Ward as senior vice president of sales. The company, a privately held division of Data Connection, says the move allows John Lazar to step up as chief executive. Lazar was vice president of sales and marketing.

Ian Ferguson, founder of MetaSwitch and Data Connection, remains chairman.

Ward is a former executive with Paradyne Networks, Corvis Corp. and Ascend Communications. MetaSwitch says Ward led the effort at Paradyne to increase the companys customer base while developing global Tier 1 and strategic carrier accounts and built North American sales for Corvis leading to their IPO. He also is recognized for the role he played in the success of Ascend before and after it was acquired by Lucent Technologies Inc., where he drove an emerging service provider business.