Spirent Communications said its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bill Burns will step down from the company with immediate effect. Chief Financial Officer Eric Hutchinson will replace Burns in the interim while the technology firm searches for a successor. The company will in due course retain consultants to undertake an extensive search for a new CEO."On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bill for his hard work and stewardship of our company over the past five years and wish him every success in the future," said Chairman Alex Walker.Burns will receive payment in accordance with his contractual arrangements.RD