Meru Networks starts search for new chief exec

Vendor confirms Ihab Abu-Hakima is to step down, but will lead search for his successor

Wireless LAN vendor Meru Networks is on the hunt for a new chief executive, after confirming that incumbent Ihab Abu-Hakima is set to leave the company within the next six months.

In a statement, Abu-Hakima said he will work with the firm's board of directors to find his successor and stressed that he is leaving the company in rude health.

"I am leaving Meru at a time when I believe our long-term business outlook has never been stronger," he said. "We are rapidly expanding our customer base worldwide, expanding our base of dedicated distribution partners, developing a rich pipeline of new products and adding to our employee base."

News of Abu-Hakima's plans to leave the firm coincides with Meru announcing that it is expecting to post record revenue – in excess of $23m (£14m) – when its third-quarter results are published later this month.

The company also said it is expecting its Q3 product and services sales to be about 18 to 20 per cent higher than the $19.3m it posted last year.

"We are very pleased to deliver another strong quarter, driving our quarterly revenue to our highest level ever," Abu-Hakima added.

"We continue to see broad-based strength across our target markets, which we believe is further evidence of the demand for our network in wireless LAN control solutions."