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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Massey Resigns As Compuserve Ceo

From Staff And Wire Reports

Robert J. Massey, president and chief executive officer of the CompuServe computer online service, resigned suddenly Monday.

A written statement from CompuServe’s parent, H&R Block Inc., said Massey quit to pursue other interests.

Company spokesman Steve Conway said the resignation had nothing to do with CompuServe’s recent financial troubles. Conway said Massey was unavailable for comment.

The company, the nation’s second largest on-line service provider with 3.3 million customers, reported a $58 million loss in the quarter ended Oct. 31. It also shut down its family oriented WOW! service Jan. 31, saying it would center its marketing to businesses.

“Our goal remains a speedy and sustained turnaround at CompuServe and under Bob’s leadership, the company has made progress in that direction,” CompuServe Chairman Frank L. Salizzoni said in the statement today.

Salizzoni, who also is chief executive of H&R Block, will assume Massey’s duties on an interim basis while the company looks for a successor. He will divide his time between CompuServe and his work at H&R Block, the company said.