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MySpace CEO steps down after nine months on job

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The chief executive officer of social-networking site MySpace stepped down today after just nine months on the job.

Owen Van Natta, who previously worked for Facebook, agreed to leave the post after discussing "his priorities both personally and professionally'' with Jon Miller, chairman and CEO of Digital Media for MySpace parent company News Corp.

"Owen took on an incredible challenge in working to refocus and revitalize MySpace, and the business has shown very positive signs recently as a result of his dedicated work,'' Miller said.

"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,'' Miller said.

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Van Natta will be replaced by Mike Jones and Jason Hirschhorn, who were serving as chief operating officer and chief product officer, respectively.

All three men joined MySpace in April 2009.

"I'm proud of the work we've all accomplished together and look forward to watching its continued growth,'' Van Natta said.

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