IAC Names Ask Chief

IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI Quote)named Jim Lanzone CEO of its Ask.com search unit.

Lanzone, who was senior vice president and general manager of Ask U.S., replaces Steve Berkowitz, who was hired Friday by Microsoft (MSFT Quote).

"Jim is one of the most respected leaders in the search industry, having been principally responsible every day for the turnaround of the Ask product and brand over the past several years," said IAC operating chief Doug Lebda. "With his vision for the future and successful track record for driving the Ask.com business, he has been and will be the ideal leader for the next stage of the company's growth."

Berkowitz is credited with turning around Ask, formerly known as Ask Jeeves. The site became part of Barry Diller's Internet conglomerate last year.

Searches at Ask grew 33% in the fourth quarter of last year, according to one study. That's four times as fast as the industry rate and faster than search goliath Google's 25% gain. In February, Ask's search growth remained strong, rising 28% from a year ago, vs. Google's 29%.

On Monday, IAC fell $1.06 to $29.01.