Mobile search and discovery firm Taptu has named Mitch Lazar, current president and COO, as its CEO, replacing founder Steve Ives, who becomes the firm’s president. 

Lazar has over two decades of experience in the media industry and has spent over 10 years building mobile businesses for some of the worlds largest media companies. Most recently, he was managing director of Yahoo! Mobile Europe, where he launched the company’s mobile search and mobile ad display businesses by forging the company’s first-ever deals in the region. Lazar also pioneered CNN and Cartoon Network Mobile and launched Turner’s mobile operations in 1997. 

Taptu chairman Geoff Unwin says: “The board is delighted to appoint Mitch Lazar as CEO. Mitch is a well-known mobile industry veteran who has clearly demonstrated his strong ability to operate the company in a very short period of time and provide valuable leadership to the team. His depth of knowledge of the technology, as well as the business of mobile search, gained over an impressive tenure at some of the world’s largest media companies, brings a unique opportunity to Taptu.”

Ives adds: “We are embarking on a new phase for the company that I believe is the best way forward for Taptu. I look forward to my new role as founder and president and in supporting Mitch as we continue our work in delivering innovative new mobile applications.”