LookSmart CEO David Hills Resigns

A recent SEC filing reports that LookSmart CEO David Hill announced his resignation on July 26th, to be effective as of yesterday.

LookSmart swiftly appointed Edward F. West, the current chair of its board of directors, to take over for the time being.

LookSmart loses its head from the Australian IT has some more details on the loss, explaining that Hills became the CEO in October 2004. He decided to leave LookSmart to start his own online media advisory services firm.

Edward West, the interim CEO, said:

We are deeply appreciative of Dave’s industry experience and contribution to LookSmart during his tenure with the company.

He has guided the company through many challenges and successfully restored the quality and growth of its Advertiser Solutions business.

Here is Mr. West’s bio from the SEC filing:

Mr. West is 54 years old and currently serves as Managing Director of Sage Partners LLC, an advisory services firm, where he started a global venture development practice for promising early-stage companies in 2003. Mr. West served as Chief Executive Officer of Colarity Corporation, a customer knowledge management services company, from January 2001 to December 2003. From December 1999 to December 2000, Mr. West served as Chief Executive Officer of RealNames International, the global development subsidiary of RealNames Corporation, an Internet names and navigation platform provider. From May 1998 to December 1999, Mr. West served as Executive Vice President, Business Development, Sales and Marketing, at RealNames Corporation. From January 1996 to April 1998, Mr. West served as Chief Operating Officer of Softbank Interactive Marketing, a provider of marketing services and sales representation to Internet sites seeking interactive advertisers. Mr. West received an A.B. in Architecture/Urban Planning from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Hat tip to Gary Price for spotting the SEC filing.