November 27, 2006 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Web hosting provider EarthLink’s (http://www.EarthLink.net) President and CEO Garry Betty is taking a medical leave of absence as a result of being diagnosed with a serious form of cancer, the company announced recently. EarthLink’s Executive Vice President of Access and Voice Services Mike Lunsford has been named interim CEO. Mr. Betty will be forced to take an “undetermined leave of absence from the company”.
"I have known Garry since the early days of EarthLink. He has been a true leader and a major force in transforming the company from a small regional ISP into a national total communications provider serving millions of customers," said Sky Dayton, EarthLink Founder and CEO of HELIO. "Garry is a fierce competitor and has the determination to beat this disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife and his family."
"We wish Garry a quick and complete recovery," said Robert M. Kavner, Chairman of EarthLink's Board of Directors. "During this difficult time, we are confident that we have the leadership team and strategy in place to serve our customers and shareholders. We are also fortunate to have in Mike Lunsford a proven executive with many years of management experience in nearly every facet of the business at EarthLink."
Starting with EarthLink in 1999, Mr. Lunsford has had a number of different executive roles with the company and introduced the company's broadband service. He also oversaw a number of the company’s major product and marketing initiatives.
