ORANGE COUNTY

After nearly six years of fast-paced growth, Emulex Corp. has seen the need to hire its first full-time chief financial officer and has given the nod to Michael J. Lewis.

Lewis, who also will have the title of vice president of finance, came to Emulex, a Costa Mesa-based computer equipment maker, this month from The Vieth Co., a Newport Beach financial services firm where he was a partner and executive vice president.

Until Lewis’ hiring, Malcolm Green served Emulex as both vice president of finance and vice president of operations. Green, who now holds the title of executive vice president, said he also is shedding the operations job and Emulex is looking for a replacement.

In his new post, Lewis, 41, will be responsible for the financial operation of Emulex, including financial analysis and planning, banking relationships and all accounting activities. He will report directly to Emulex president and chief operating officer Stephen W. Frankel.

Lewis, who received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern California, also has served as vice president for finance and administration of Western Digital Corp. in Irvine.