- Title: ASHLEY MADISON-CEO/RESIGNATION CEO of Ashley Madison parent company steps down
- Date: 28th August 2015
- Summary: VARIOUS OF BIDERMAN ON ASHLEY MADISON WEBSITE
- Embargoed: 12th September 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2WD2G6Y8R6VP5OTWCX4R9QO0F
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Noel Biderman, the chief executive of infidelity website Ashley Madison's parent company Avid Life, has left the company, weeks after hackers launched a cyber assault that leaked sensitive data about millions of clients.
Avid Life said on Friday (August 28) the departure was by "mutual agreement" and the company's existing management would take over until a new CEO is appointed.
The Canadian company was rocked by the release of Ashley Madison customer data on Aug. 18 by hackers who claimed to be unhappy with its business practices.
"This change is in the best interest of the company and allows us to continue to provide support to our members and dedicated employees," the Toronto-based company said.
The data dump contained email addresses of U.S. government officials, UK civil servants, and workers at European and North American corporations, taking already deep-seated fears about Internet security and data protection to a new level.
Police investigating the cyber attack said it has sparked extortion attempts and at least two unconfirmed suicides.
Biderman founded Ashley Madison in 2001 and it was acquired by Avid Life Media in 2007.
During an interview with Reuters in 2013, Biderman defended cheating on a spouse.
"Infidelity does save marriages. I think people have affairs because they don't want a divorce. Right? Their child-rearing, their joint child-rearing is something they want to continue with. Their joint economic situation. Their joint household, extended family. They're all those things they cherish and want to continue with. What they don't want to continue with is what does or doesn't happen in the bedrooms. So it's few and far between who want to give it all up just to pursue something sexual."
To date only a small number of top executives have lost their jobs in the wake of massive breaches.
Sony Pictures America co-chairman Amy Pascal stepped down in February after last year's devastating breach at Sony Corp's Hollywood studio and Target Corp replaced its CEO last year in the wake of the 2013 breach at the retailer that exposed records of tens of millions of customers.
Some technology experts expect such ousters to become increasingly common in the wake of devastating breaches because boards often consider the CEO as ultimately responsible for cyber security. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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