07/08/96 AOL'S PRESIDENT LOGS OFF

AOL'S PRESIDENT LOGS OFF

IT WAS A SHORT-LIVED romance. On June 24, after four months on the job, William Razzouk resigned as president and COO of America Online. The 48-year-old Federal Express veteran was hired early this year to impose some order at the fast-growing online service provider, which is suffering from intensified competition and controversy over its billing practices. AOL's explanation for the abrupt departure: Razzouk's family had second thoughts about leaving Memphis, and CEO Stephen Case wanted a more hands-on role ahead of a planned marketing blitz this fall. But sources close to AOL said clashes of management styles played a role, as did Razzouk's failure to develop rapport with many on the AOL team. Razzouk couldn't be reached for comment.
EDITED BY KELLEY HOLLAND