Yet More Griffin: IAB Considering Rehiring Rothenberg

Does Randall Rothenberg want his old job back?

He may soon get the chance. Given Time Inc.’s ouster of Jack Griffin yesterday (Feb. 17),  the Interactive Advertising Bureau is seriously considering offering Rothenberg the job of president and CEO, the same job he held from 2007 until last December, when Griffin brought Rothenberg on as Time Inc.’s evp, chief digital officer.

According to sources, the IAB has been searching for a replacement for Rothenberg for months and is said to have narrowed down its list of initial candidates. But the hope was to have a president in place for the IAB’s annual meeting, which begins on Feb. 27 in La Quinta, Calif.—a deadline that is becoming increasingly unlikely to be met—especially with Rothenberg’s possible availability.

It was Griffin who hired Rothenberg last December, creating a new position for him, arguing the company needed a digital figure who worked across titles and disciplines, including editorial and advertising.

But clearly, Griffin’s way of thinking was not well thought of at Time Inc., as evidenced by his abrupt ouster. So it’s possible that Rothenberg’s role may not have the support of Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes or whomever is brought on to replace Griffin.

Thus, the IAB’s planned overtures to Rothenberg—who is well-liked throughout the organization.

Neither the IAB nor Rothenberg were available for comment.