https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/business/overstock-ceo-patrick-byrne.html Patrick Byrne, Overstock C.E.O., Resigns After Disclosing Romance With Russian Agent Patrick Byrne resigned as chief executive of the online retailer Overstock.com on Thursday, saying he had no choice but to quit because of the attention stirred up by his public disclosure of a relationship with a woman accused of being a Russian agent. Mr. Byrne said in a letter to shareholders that his continued presence at Overstock’s helm “may affect and complicate all manner of business relationships.” “Thus, while I believe that I did what was necessary for the good of the country, for the good of the firm,” he wrote, “I am in the sad position of having to sever ties with Overstock, both as C.E.O. and board member.” Mr. Byrne’s relationship with the woman, Maria Butina, lasted three years, from 2015 to 2018, and eventually became romantic. It did not become widely known until last week, when Overstock took the unusual step of issuing a news release calling attention to it. The release was titled “Overstock.com C.E.O. Comments on Deep State, Withholds Further Comment.”