AltaVista’s Chief Executive Resigns

CMGI Inc.’s AltaVista Co., an Internet search service, said the unit’s chief executive has stepped down and the company is searching for a replacement. Rod Schrock had led the Palo Alto-based company since January 1999. AltaVista President Greg Memo and Chief Financial Officer Ken Barber will share executive responsibility while the company looks for a replacement. Last month, AltaVista said it would cut 225 jobs, or about one-quarter of its work force, to reach profitability sooner. Schrock said in an interview that he decided to leave to spend more time with his family. CMGI officials weren’t available for comment. Shares of Andover, Mass.-based CMGI rose $1 to close at $16.44 on Nasdaq.