Expedia.com Expedia, Inc. Announces CEO Succession

BELLEVUE, Washington – February 5, 2003 – Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) today announced that founder Richard Barton is resigning as president and chief executive officer effective March 31, 2003. Erik Blachford, currently president of Expedia North America, will succeed Mr. Barton as president and CEO and will join the Expedia® board of directors. This carefully planned transition will allow for Mr. Barton's continued involvement with the company as director of USA Interactive (NASDAQ: USAI), an appointment that has been approved by USA's directors.
“With our three kids approaching school age, and the company in such a rock-solid position, I feel it is a good time to pursue my long-standing dream to live in Europe for a year,” said Barton. “Erik Blachford, having helped build the company from the ground up, is ready to lead Expedia into the future. I leave a strong company in good hands.