AOL Loses Executive Behind AIM Triton

Chamath Palihapitiya, who took charge of AOL's instant messaging division last year and spearheaded the development of AIM Triton, is leaving the company and plans to join venture capital firm Mayfield Fund next year. AOL has not yet named a successor to fill the position.

Palihapitiya was given control over the largest IM network amid heavy pressure from rivals Microsoft and Yahoo, and inherited a stagnating AIM client. He shifted the focus to promoting AOL content through AIM and turned market share losses into gains. AIM Triton 1.0 launched last week to serve as AOL's new all-in-one communications suite.