Execs & Accounts for Leap Day, 2008

Scott Meyer will depart About.com and The New York Times Co. next week after an eight year odyssey with the company. Digital chief Martin Nisenholtz and Chief Digital Architect Ron McCoy will manage the group until a replacement CEO is named. “After discussions with Martin, we’ve agreed that I’ll be stepping down from my position as President & CEO of the About Group and leaving the Times Company,” Meyer wrote in a note to staff. A spokesperson said the search for Meyer’s successor will include both internal and external candidates. PaidContent.org first reported the departure late Wednesday.

Microsoft selected Crispin Porter & Bogusky for a forthcoming consumer marketing campaign. The agency will be tasked with working on a global campaign for the software giant.

John Mueller resigned as CEO of Idearc. Mueller left the post after only eight days on the job, citing unspecified health concerns. He had replaced Kathy Harless, and will be temporarily succeeded by EVP Frank Gatto while the company seeks a permanent replacement.

Tacoda promoted Steven Stein to Northwest director of ad sales. Stein was previously manager of Northwest advertising sales for the behavioral targeting advertising network. Tacoda is a division of AOL and a Platform A company.

Network Solutions hired Travis Fore as SVP of sales. The search engine marketing and e-commerce technology provider created the position for Fore, who was previously vice president of sales and service at Citysearch.

Resolution Media hired Michael Marchese as managing director of the Midwest and West. Marchese joined the search marketing firm from Leapfrog Online where he was vice president of market development.

Zanox appointed Chris Dessi VP of advertiser sales. The online performance-based marketing firm tasked Dessi with managing its newly opened New York office.

Visible World hired Al Morris as automotive sales director. The targeted online video provider tasked Morris with establishing a Detroit office. Morris was previously a media sales executive with ESPN.

Pacifico tapped Creature to expand its brand identity. The beer brand hired the agency to create an integrated online and offline campaign.