Van Natta exits MySpace after less than a year

MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta is leaving the social network less than a year after joining.

myspace

Former Facebook executive Van Natta was brought in last April to replace founders Chris DeWolfe and Tom Anderson as part of a shake up which saw the company shed over a third of its workforce (nma.co.uk, 27 April 2009).

However, just ten months later he is to leave the company, with MySpace saying the decision was mutual.

A MySpace statement read, “Owen took on an incredible challenge in working to refocus and revitalise MySpace, and the business has shown very positive signs recently as a result of his dedicated work. However, in talking to Owen about his priorities both personally and professionally going forward, we both agreed that it was best for him to step down at this time. I want to thank Owen for all of his efforts.”

Van Natta will be replaced by MySpace executives Mike Jones and James Hirschorn, both now becoming MySpace co-presidents.

MySpace co-presidents Jones and Hirschorn will report into News Corporation digital chief Jon Miller.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk

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