Andreessen pushed upstairs

Eric Hahn was named Chief Technical Officer of Netscape Communications today, replacing the increasingly missing-in-action Marc Andreessen. Hahnjoined Netscape in 1995 following the acquisition of his company Collabra.Andreessen was named vice president of products.

Netscape CEO Jim Barksdale tried to put the move in perspective.

"As Netscape continues its ascent as one of the fastest-growing software companies in history, it is vital that we anticipate changing market conditions and remain nimble," he said. "To that end, I recently asked a small, core team of leaders to serve on a new executive committee that canmake decisions quickly for the entire organization."

Barksdale has formed a new executive committee which will report directlyto him. Hahn is on this committee, though Andreessen is conspicuously absent. The new committee is designed to help Netscape move more quicklyin an ever-changing marketplace.

Andreessen's role at Netscape has recently been suspect and his performances at industry events has embarrassed the company. His new job requires him to oversee the company's product divisions.