Former MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta Leaves Zynga Executive Role

NY - Social gaming giant Zynga, which is expected to go public in the near future, said in a regulatory filing that former MySpace CEO Owen Van Nattahas resigned from his position as chief business officer.our editor recommendsZynga CEO Asked Some Staff to Return Pre-IPO Shares (Report)Zynga Eyes November IPO (Report) The departure of the high-profile executive from the company behind such Facebook games as CityVilleand Mafia Warswas first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Journal said Van Natta, who was responsible for the company's revenue strategy, corporate development, international expansion and brand, will remain on Zynga's board. But he had agreed to stay at the firm for only a year or two when he joined it in 2010, it said. The Journal highlighted that Zynga has been expanding its executive team, adding John Schappertas COO in May, for example, which has reduced Van Natta's role. Zynga CEO Mark Pincusalso felt that Van Natta was no longer contributing to day-to-day operations, although he valued him highly, a source told the Journal. By leaving before the IPO, the 41-year-old Van Natta is giving up on a chance for millions of dollars worth of unvested stock. Meanwhile, the NY Post reported that Pincus could sell 10 percent of his of his more than 90 million shares in the planned IPO. The paper said that this could yield $125 million-plus based on an earlier share sale. Related Topics Zynga