Yahoo names interim CEO after Thompson steps down

NEW YORK (AP) — Yahoo says it is appointing Ross Levinsohn as interim CEO and Fred Amoroso as chairman of its board, effective immediately.

Yahoo says CEO Scott Thompson has left the company. Thompson has been under fire for more than a week over mentions in his resume and company filings of a computer science degree he did not earn.

Amoroso was the board member leading the investigation into inaccuracies on Thompson’s resume. Levinsohn is Yahoo’s head of global media.

Third Point, the hedge fund that owns a 6 percent stake in Yahoo, has pushed for the changes. Third Point CEO Dan Loeb and two of his nominees will join Yahoo’s board. Four directors who had planned to retire at the annual meeting will step down immediately.