After Griffin Firing, Rothenberg Headed Back to IAB

In the wake of Jack Griffin's firing as CEO of Time Inc., one of his key outside hires, Randall Rothenberg, is stepping down as chief digital officer and returning to his old job as president and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
 
Adweek reported last week that the IAB was considering bringing Rothenberg back after a months-long search for a replacement.
 
“I loved the people and brands and assets at Time Inc., but the opportunity to take a leadership role for the industry during this turning-point year was too good to turn down,” Rothenberg said in an e-mail to Adweek, sidestepping the subject of the unusual circumstances surrounding his departure after just a month on the job.
 
In its announcement of Rothenberg’s departure, Time Inc. said it would remain committed to the IAB, noting it would be a charter sponsor of the new IAB Ad Lab and its measurement standardization initiative. The announcement came from John Huey, Howard Averill and Maurice Edelson, the three executives who are running Time Inc. on an interim basis until a permanent CEO is named.
 
With Rothenberg out, all eyes will be on the other hires Griffin brought in from outside Time Inc., as observers watch to see if they will stay on at the company.