AOL Taps Lynton

America Online Inc. named Michael Lynton, who launched the staid publisher of Penguin classic books into the “dot-com” world, to lead its expansion efforts in competitive overseas markets. Lynton was named president of AOL International, which operates online properties in seven languages, to replace Jack Davies, who stepped aside as chief of the unit in November but will continue to serve as a senior advisor. Lynton led the revitalization of Penguin as chairman and chief executive of the Penguin Group unit of Britain’s Pearson. Before joining Penguin in 1997, he served for nine years at Walt Disney Co. as president of Hollywood Pictures and president of Disney’s magazine and book publishing unit. Separately, AOL said it will let its more than 20 million subscribers access electronic mail using Compaq Computer Corp. and Casio Computer Co. hand-held organizers. Terms of the agreements weren’t disclosed. Shares in Dulles, Va.-based AOL fell $2.94 to close at $74.06 on the NYSE.