EarthLink Names New CEO

EarthLink Inc. has named Rolla P. Huff as president and CEO.

He succeeds Garry Betty, who died in January from complications of cancer. Mike Lunsford had been serving as interim CEO.

"We believe that Rolla has the experience and strategic acumen required for EarthLink to create value for its shareholders, while maintaining its track record of innovation and customer service," said Robert M. Kavner, chairman of EarthLink’s board of directors. "Rolla has substantial experience in providing both wireless and wireline, Internet and voice products to consumer and business markets. We will look to Rolla to set EarthLink’s strategic direction for the future."

The 50-year-old Huff most recently served as chairman and CEO of Mpower Communications, a facilities-based provider of voice and data services, from 1999 to 2006. He also has held executive positions at Frontier Corp. and AT&T.

Huff said he has bought 100,000 shares of stock from the company, valued at approximately $750,000.

EarthLink also said it is increasing the size of its board to eight members, which will include Huff. He also will serve as one of EarthLink’s representatives of the Company on the HELIO board.

EarthLink Inc. www.earthlink.com