Last night the news that Jim Safka, Ask.com's CEO for the past 16 months or so, has decided to step down from the role for personal reasons. What personal reasons?

"Jim has decided to move on from Ask.com, following the recent passing of his brother which has led him to re-evaluate his personal and professional priorities," Ask.com said in a prepared statement.

Scott Garell, who has been the President of Ask.com, will take his role. I first would like to send my condolences to Jim on his loss.

I have never been a fan of Safka's strategy for Ask.com, but he did do some good things for the company. I won't get into what I disliked about Safka now, it just isn't the time for that.

Safka took Jim Lanzone's CEO spot in January 2008. Prior to that, Jim Lanzone became the CEO in April 2006. I hope Scott does well at the spot, it is not an easy place to be.

You can read more coverage on this news at Techmeme.

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.

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