Loopt names former mig33 chief Steve Boom president

Location-based social mapping service Loopt named Steve Boom president, installing the exec to drive the firm's growth and monetization strategies alongside co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. Boom previously served as CEO of interactive mobile community mig33, growing its userbase to more than 30 million users in over 200 countries worldwide--prior to mig33, he spent a decade as senior vice president at Yahoo, overseeing the digital media firm's global mobile products, partnerships and advertiser efforts.

Boom joins Loopt weeks following the introduction of Loopt Star, a mobile rewards game giving consumers coupons, full-track downloads and related perks for checking in at real-world destinations. On Tuesday, the startup announced airline Virgin America will leverage Loopt Star to promote its new services to San Jose del Cabo and Cancun, offering two-for-one flights to consumers who check in at San Francisco International Airport and Cancun International Airport between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm PT today.

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