Avici Systems names new CEO

Avici Systems, a manufacturer of high-end network routers, has named former President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Kaufman to the post of chief executive. Kaufman, who joined Avici from Lucent Technologies in 2000, replaces erstwhile CEO Surya Panditi who will now serve as chairman of the communications equipment maker's board of directors. Both promotions are effective July 1. Jim Swartz, who previously served as co-chairman with Panditi, will remain on Avici's board of directors. Meanwhile, Comstellar Technologies CEO Sanjiv Ahuja will join Avici's board of directors.