AOL rebuilds with Steckler hire

by Andrew McCormick, Media Week 09-Jul-07, 12:30

LONDON - AOL has begun rebuilding its senior team by hiring Microsoft's Michael Steckler as vice president, interactive marketing.

Steckler, pictured, has moved from MSN where he was head of the sales and business development team. He has also spent four years in outdoor advertising, as head of agency sales at Clear Channel International. Steckler will be responsible for AOL's advertising business throughout Europe in his new role.

The appointment of Steckler follows the loss of several key AOL Europe executives to rival media players. AOL director Michael Moore last week became the latest to leave to take up a role as executive director of consumer markets for Telegraph Media Group. His departure follows those of ex-head of commercial development Phil Guest and former managing director Andy Jonesco to Habbo Hotel and Sky respectively.