MRV Communications Inc. on Thursday said that Noam Lotan plans to step down as chief executive at the end of the month, and an outside successor has been named.

The Chatsworth computer networking company said that its board has appointed Dilip Singh to serve as chief executive for a one-year term starting July 1. Singh is a 38-year veteran of the international telecommunications industry.

“After 20 years as CEO, the time has come to make room for fresh ideas and new leadership,” said Lotan in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with so many talented and dedicated individuals.”

Singh was CEO of Telia-Sonera Spice Nepal, the second largest wireless operator in Nepal, from 2008 to 2009. He was chief executive of Telenity, a South African telecom software company, from 2004 to 2008. Singh holds a masters of technology from the Indian Institute Technology and a masters of science from the University of Jodhpur.

Following the late afternoon announcement, shares closed up 5 cents, or 4 percent, to $1.24 on the Pink Sheets.