MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta is now exiting, according to information confirmed Wednesday evening by News Corp.  In his place, Mike Jones (formerly Chief Operating Officer) and Jason Hirschhorn (formerly Chief Product Officer) are elevating to Co-President positions.  Both will report to Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO of Digital Media for News Corp.

Owen Van Natta started in April of last year, and the send-off was swift.  “Owen took on an incredible challenge in working to refocus and revitalize MySpace, and the business has shown very positive signs recently as a result of his dedicated work,” Miller stated.  “However, in talking to Owen about his priorities both personally and professionally going forward, we both agreed that it was best for him to step down at this time.  I want to thank Owen for all of his efforts.”

The move runs contrary to earlier reports suggesting a departure for Hirschhorn.  But the former MTV Networks and Sling Media executive now jumps into a serious hotspot, with a co-captain arrangement that could create complications.  Earlier, speculation also surrounded a possible music role for Hirschhorn, though these volleys seem to be happening above the MySpace Music trenches.