Europe Online founder Candace Johnson – and still President of the Board – has brought in Dennis Hightower, most recently president of Disney Consumer Products in Paris, as CEO “to lead the company in its next phase of growth.” Just over one month ago Johnson firmly denied she was being sidelined or replaced at Europe Online, which currently uses four full Astra transponders (on ten-year leases) to deliver Internet services direct to consumers.

Talking to Interspace, the company confirmed that Ms Johnson’s role at EOL has been taken over by Hightower, who is appointed to the Board, as president of the Board’s Executive Committee.

EOL’s shareholders include Rockefeller & Co, Egerton Capital, Telfin Tractebel, CITA, Cregelux and Euredit.