ValueClick names operating chief Giuliani as CEO

ValueClick CEO James Zarley becomes exec. chairman, is replaced by current COO John Giuliani

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (AP) -- ValueClick Inc. said Wednesday that its president and CEO is stepping down and will be replaced by the digital marketing company's current chief operating officer.

Effective immediately, James Zarley, 68, the company's CEO since 2010, moves to the role of executive chairman and is replaced by John Giuliani, who has served as chief operating officer since April.

Before becoming COO, Giuliani was president of the company's Dotomi division and was Dotomi's CEO when it was acquired by ValueClick in August 2011. Giuliani, 51, also is a member of ValueClick's board.

Zarley succeeds Martin Hart as chairman. Hart will remain on the board and stay chairman of the board's compensation committee, ValueClick said.

ValueClick shares rose 28 cents to $19.06 in afternoon trading.