SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Internet social media company Facebook is replacing its chief financial officer and seeking a replacement with "public company experience."

The company said on Tuesday that Gideon Yu, who has served as Facebook's finance chief since August 2007, will be leaving the company.

Facebook would not comment on whether Yu was leaving to pursue another opportunity or whether he was pushed out of the company.

"Gideon has played an important role in helping us achieve our financial success, building a strong finance team and establishing the core financial operations of our company," Facebook said in a statement.

"Despite the poor economic climate, we are pleased that our financial performance is strong and we are well positioned for the next stage of our growth," the statement continued.

Facebook has nearly 200 million users, making it the most popular social networking Website. The company does not disclose its revenue though a source close to the company said Facebook expects its revenue to increase 70 percent in 2009.

(Reporting by Alexei Oreskovic; Editing by Bernard Orr)

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