RICHARDSON, Texas -- Latus Lightworks, Inc., an optical networking startup developing solutions for long- haul optical carrier networks, has named Pierre Kahhale, a former vice president of Nortel Networks, president and chief executive officer. Latus Lightworks is a member of the Iris Group, a four- company group of optical networking startups formed last year to cooperate on a new network architecture that provides unprecedented scalability for the data-centric optical networks being built by telecommunications carriers. Kahhale replaces acting Latus CEO Michael Zadikian, Iris Group founder, who will remain chairman.

"Both on its own as a long-haul player and in the context of the Iris Group's end-to-end vision, Latus Lightworks will be leading the next wave of companies that drives sea changes in the optical networking market," said Jennifer Gill Roberts, general partner with Sevin Rosen Funds, which invested in Latus Lightworks' first round of funding last year. "When the optical market was first emerging, Pierre established Nortel's presence in both Europe and North America, helping spur the transition to new DWDM technology. His broad experience and proven record in marketing, sales and strategic business planning make him an ideal leader for Latus as a new generation of optical technology takes hold."

http://www.latuslightworks.com