Sonus CEO to step down in 2011

WESTFORD, Mass. (AP) - Sonus Networks Inc., a maker of Internet network hardware and software, said Thursday its president and CEO Richard Nottenburg plans to step down by the end of March 2011.

The company will start searching for a new CEO. Nottenburg will continue to serve until next March and help the board in its search, Sonus said.

Sonus said it still expects to achieve flat to low single digit percent revenue growth for 2010, reaffirming its earlier guidance.

Nottenburg has been at Sonus since June 2008 and said in a statement he was proud of the company's progress in developing a market and product strategy, realigning the business and strengthening its financial results and management team.

"I am eager to explore my next challenge, and I believe that with the strong foundation we have put in place at Sonus, now is the right time to begin transitioning to new leadership," he said.