United Online Names Interim CEO

United Online Inc. has named an e-commerce industry veteran as its interim chief executive starting Monday. Jeff Goldstein will head up the Woodland Hills technology company that owns Internet service providers NetZero and Juno and customer loyalty programs and mobile commerce applications, such as MyPoints and List+. Goldstein had served as president of e-commerce platform PriceGrabber for two years until its sale in June to Connexity Inc. Prior to that, he was president of consulting firm BGT Capital Advisors and in executive positions at Modern Luxury Media, Experian Interactive/LowerMyBills.com and IAC/Interactive Corp. Francis Lobo stepped down as chief executive of United Online in November and was replaced by Chairman Howard Phanstiel, who came in with the title principal executive officer. Phanstiel has relinquished the principal executive officer role but remain on the company’s board. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help support United Online on its comprehensive review of strategic alternatives,” Goldstein said in a prepared statement. “We will continue executing on United Online’s business strategy with the goal of maximizing value for our shareholders.” Shares closed down 2 cents, or a fraction of a percent, to $10.99 on the Nasdaq.