That eclectic background makes Robert Pittman the center of attention in this deal. “I’m probably the guy with the least anxiety about the merger, because I know everybody [at both companies],” he told NEWSWEEK. “This is a homecoming, and I feel very good about it.” In fact, some observers say his brand of experience–having high-level jobs at both entertainment and Internet companies–could become the key to a gold-plated resume as these two sectors of the economy combine. Pittman will start out as AOL Time Warner’s co-chief operating officer, but most observers see him rising higher in the years ahead. At 46, he’s a half-generation younger than Gerald Levin and Ted Turner. But note: Pittman has bounced around. He turned up just prior to his arrival at AOL as president of Century 21, the home-sales company. A guy with his credentials has many opportunities. So it’s hard to predict where he’ll finally settle down.
