FTC hires Francine Lafontaine, taking leave from University of...

FTC hires Francine Lafontaine, taking leave from University of Michigan, as director, Bureau of Economics, succeeding Martin Gaynor, returning to Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College … National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration names NASA’s Stephen Volz to lead NOAA Satellite and Information Service, effective Nov. 2, replacing Mary Kicza, who retired earlier this year … TechNet hires Sue Hothem, ex-Benchmark Strategies, as vice president-membership … Resigning from Unwired Planet is Eric Vetter as president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, effective Nov. 18.

Sonus Networks promotes Michael Swade to senior vice president-worldwide sales and marketing, after he did that job on interim basis … Tessera Technologies promotes Craig Mitchell to chief technology officer, replacing Simon McElrea, who left the company … Frontier Communications hires Edward O'Connor, ex-Total Communications, as sales vice president, Connecticut, where it’s buying AT&T’s landline operations … 21st Century Fox nominates Tidjane Thiam, Prudential Plc, to board for election at the Nov. 12 annual meeting … Lobbyist registration: Health Data Consortium, Williams & Jensen, effective Sept. 1.