Exec de Castro logs off AOL
Vet's exit said to have been in the works since August
The radio-industry veteran's departure was said to have been in the works since August, when former USA Networks exec Jonathan F. Miller beat out de Castro for the top spot at AOL Time Warner's flagship Net access business.
"My decision to leave AOL is a career decision based on my desire to run a major company," de Castro said in an internal email.
Exec was one of the main architects behind the radio company AMFM, which he left in 2000 after it was sold to rival radio conglom Clear Channel Communications.
Exec is credited with helping to oversee the smooth rollout of new programming for AOL's major 8.0 upgrade, which was unveiled last month.
AOL plans to hand over de Castro's programming responsibilities to the division's vice chairman, Ted Leonsis.
De Castro is one of several AOL Time Warner execs reported to be on the way out of the company, including Kenneth Lerer, Mayo Stuntz and Marshall Cohen. All three were close with former operating chief Robert Pittman, who also hired de Castro.
AOL Time Warner's stock has been roiled in recent months by concerns over sluggish ad revenues at the online unit, as well as regulatory investigations into its accounting methods.
AOL shares edged up 0.75% to $15.06 on Tuesday.
