Pittman is available

[Bstanley]

Well according to Reuters Robert Pittman has resigned as AOL/TW's COO.

Now - did he resign to 'pursue other interests' or to sit back and enjoy his Golden Parachute?

From the article:

Well known as the innovator who created MTV, Pittman charted new ground in radio, television, and cable network programming as well as the theme park industry and real estate while building branded consumer businesses as the CEO of MTV Networks, Quantum Media, Time Warner Enterprises, Six Flags Entertainment, and CENTURY 21 Real Estate Corporation.

 

[larworth]

Sounds like he is being made somewhat a fall guy for current AOL troubles. Doesn't sound like it was his choice to leave, but rather a product of internal differences. Wonder if this will taint him enough so he gets scratched off the board's list as a possible Eisner replacement.

 

[Sarangel]

Well, there was a (presumably Leaked) rumor a month or so back about Disney's board talking to Pittman...

Sarangel

 

[raidermatt]

Was watching CNBC and supposedly the Time Warner executives are tired of the weight around their neck that is AOL, and think it can be run better. Sort of a reverse takeover. (AOL took over Time Warner, but now it is Time Warner that is taking things over).

Not sure how much is true, but the indication was that this was not a case of somebody leaving to pursue other opportunities.

I haven't checked the numbers myself, but apparently, AOL has so much debt that they can't effectively spin it off unless they keep some of the debt, which would weigh down the remaining businesses.

 

[Bstanley]

It boils down to - is He the Fall Guy because:

1) The 'old line' TW execs pushed him out and will blame him - as the last of the 'AOL' crowd.

2) He signed up for being pushed out and accepting blame since he was tired of being the last of the 'AOL' crowd and He is:

a) going to retire to Molokai

b) going to run ABC

c) going to run the Disney Theme Parks (PP is packing his desk remember...)

d) [your choice]

 

[paradefreak]

BStanley - You hint that Paul Pressler may be on the way out.

Would Pittman be a good replacement? I don't know anything about him.