Polaris Networks has hired telecom veteran Surya Panditi as its CEO, the company confirmed this afternoon. The equipment startup is preparing to announce the move next week.

Panditi joins Polaris from Convergent Networks Inc., where he served as president and CEO for about one year (see Panditi Goes Soft). Prior to Convergent, Panditi held various posts at Avici Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: AVCI; Frankfurt: BVC7), including serving as its president and CEO from June 1997 to mid 2001. He continues to serve as Avici's chairman (see Avici Shuffles Top Execs).

Prior to Avici, Panditi was VP and general manager of the LAN Infrastructure Business unit at U.S. Robotics Corp. His earlier management experience included positions at Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC), Ungermann-Bass, and Telco Systems.

Convergent Networks confirms that Panditi has left his post. Mike Dagenais, formerly Convergent's VP of engineering, has taken on the role of president and chief operating officer, Convergent says.

Polaris' first CEO, chairman and founder Ray Kao, remains the company's chief technology officer.

Panditi, who is traveling, was not immediately available for comment.

— Phil Harvey, Senior Editor, Light Reading