Saturday, October 26, 2013

Ford’s Mulally dispels Microsoft CEO rumors

ATHENS, Ga. – Despite resurfaced rumors that he is on the very short list to replace outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer at Microsoft, Ford CEO Alan Mulally maintains that that is not in his plans.

"I love serving Ford and have nothing new to add to (my) plans to continue serving Ford," he said in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY.

Mulally was at the University of Georgia Tuesday to participate in the 16th USA TODAY CEO Forum.

Over the last several weeks, media reports have mentioned Mulally as the leading candidate to succeed Ballmer as the software giant's CEO.

Mulally is known for his ability to turnaround troubled companies. Before coming to Ford in 2006, Mulally spent 37 years at Boeing where he helped outflank competitor Airbus with the Boeing 777 jetliner. At Ford, he ushered in transparency and transformed the car maker into a leaner company.

Even though Ford had a record loss in 2008, the company avoided government bailout loans given to GM and Chrysler. The company reported a profit the next year and has had 16 consecutive profitable quarters. On Tuesday, Ford also announced that the company's September sales were the best since 2006.

Mulally has said he will stay at Ford through 2014, but the board of directors has indicated it would not stand in his way if he chooses to leave earlier.

With Microsoft, Ford co-developed the Sync infotainment system that lets drivers connect their smartphones in Ford vehicles. Mulally called Microsoft "a great company" and "a great partner."

He downplayed rumors early last month and Mulally's heir apparent, current chief operating officer Mark Fields dismissed reports that resurfaced last week.

But the public speculation helps confirm Ford's ascendance as a technology company, Mulally admits. "Clearly, we have been leading this and it's very important to consumers," he said. "We just love the response they have to our vehicles."

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