MUMBAI: Time Warner Inc. has hired NBC Universal Television group president Randy Falco as chairman and chief executive officer of its AOL unit, replacing Jonathan Miller.

The announcement was made by Time Warner Inc.'s chairman and CEO Richard D Parsons and president and COO Jeff Bewkes, asserts an official release.

Commenting on Falco's appointment Parsons said, "Jeff Bewkes and I are very pleased that a top operating executive of Randy Falco's expertise and experience will be leading AOL into its next stage of development. A key to Time Warner's digital future, AOL is showing early success in transitioning to an advertising-focused business model, and Randy is a first-rate choice to ensure AOL realizes its promise."

As president of NBC's broadcast and network operations division, Falco was in charge of the facilities and operations of the NBC television network worldwide, adds the release.

Falco added, " My challenge will be to execute on the strategy that I believe will make AOL once again the leader of the online world. I see a tremendous opportunity for meaningful growth at AOL and will work hard with the fine people at AOL to make sure the company lives up to its full potential."

Time Warner, parent of AOL is a US based integrated media and communications company whose businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks and publishing.

Based in Dulles, Virginia, AOL is a global web services company that operates web destinations, runs the country's Internet access business, and provides a full set of advertising solutions.