NEW YORK – AOL said Monday that Twitter co-founder Biz Stone has agreed to work with the online firm and its newly formed Huffington Post Media Group as strategic adviser for social impact to help develop cause-based initiatives.
In a statement, AOL said Stone will develop a platform that will facilitate people doing service in their communities and “rally other companies to invest in and deploy best corporate practices.”
Stone will also develop a video series that will put the spotlight on companies and executives at the forefront of philanthropy and corporate responsibility.
“The definition of success is changing as we begin to understand the value of helping others,” said Stone. “Together we will rally companies to think about new ways of doing business, share best practices and strive for positive impact at all levels – from global to local.”
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According to All Things D’s MediaMemo, Stone will get some AOL stock for his adviser role. (link)
“Since one of our key goals is to explore and spotlight innovative ways that our company – as well as others – can do good, I’m thrilled that Biz Stone will be our strategic partner in this important endeavor,” said Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group.
The news of the Stone relationship came as part of a slew of editorial hires, including the addition of LA Times and New York Times veteran John Montorio as culture and entertainment editor, and the promotion of Howard Fineman to the post of editorial director of Huffington Post Media Group. He has so far served as senior political editor.
AOL and the Huffington Post Media Group on Monday also unveiled a 30-Day Service Challenge to encourage employees and others to volunteer and help the needy.
After the $315 million acquisition of the Huffington Post, AOL chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong said Monday’s announcements show the company’s “eagerness to hit the ground running following the rapidly-executed merger.”
