CHICAGO -- Rian J. Wren, Chief Executive Officer of Neutral Tandem, Inc. (Nasdaq:TNDM) since 2006, has announced his decision to retire from the company on April 1, 2011. He will continue to serve on the Board of Directors following his retirement.

Neutral Tandem's Board of Directors has elected G. Edward Evans to succeed Mr. Wren as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2011. Mr. Evans has served on Neutral Tandem's Board of Directors since November 2008. Mr. Evans will also continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

"On behalf of the other Directors, I would like to thank Rian Wren for his many outstanding contributions to Neutral Tandem," said Jim Hynes, Founder and Chairman of Neutral Tandem. "We were fortunate to have his guidance and direction at the core of our organization for the past five years, including through our initial public offering and beyond. We are also pleased that Rian will remain actively involved in the company by continuing as a board member."

"Ed Evans brings extraordinary management talent and a distinguished track record to his new position," continued Hynes. "Ed's strategic vision is a perfect match for our company as we move to the next stage of our development."

Neutral Tandem Inc. (Nasdaq: TNDM)