Ford CEO Mulally says that he did not leave for Microsoft

Alan Mulally is Ford.

The associated press Tuesday said the CEO, who it was rumored to be in the race to Microsoft's next leader, leaving not the automaker's Dearborn, Michigan until late 2014.

"I want to at the end of the speculation because I have no other plans nothing other than serve Ford, Microsoft" Mulally said in an interview.

Question if this investor said concerns regarding his departure Mulally should at the end "you left me worry."

Mulally said that he will stay with his plan, the Ford until at least the end of 2014 stick. Ford announced the plan in November 2012. At the same time, it promoted the fields of the likely successor to Mulally mark fields as chief operating officer.

In the last few months, there were numerous reports that Mulally was in the shortlist of candidates to replace Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft announced in August, which Ballmer wants to step down as CEO.

Mulally would not say that if he had spoken to Microsoft CEO. But he said that the speculation was a distraction for Ford.

Mulally, 68, was trained as an aeronautical engineer. He was 36 years at Boeing and was President of the company passenger aircraft Division--before Ford Chairman Bill Ford lured him in 2006 to the ailing automaker. He is widely credited with the company in the profit zone back and widespread executive infighting stop changing the culture.

During his tenure, Ford has $32.9 billion in profit before taxes and its shares have more than doubled.

Microsoft would not say, that Tuesday whether Mulally has announcement came as a surprise.

"Out of respect for the process and the potential candidates, we not comment on individual names," a Microsoft spokesman of the AP News Agency.

Ford shares rose 20 cents to $15,58 in trading after hours. Microsoft shares fell 37 cents, $36,04.

Read More

Ford CEO Mulally to stay until 2014

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

Ford Motor Co. is heard resolving two of the most frequently asked questions in the automotive industry, but it has no complete answer to the question when CEO Alan Mulally - will step and who succeed him closer a step.

But a strong clue emerged Thursday morning with the news, that mark fields, currently Chief Operating Officer, a position all but certain Ford's President America of the manufacturer are moves to make sure he finally on Mulally retired. But the 67-year-old CEO, clearly in no hurry to leave, pare back its daily role is still as Ford's chief strategist and internal cheerleader.

"At least until 2014." Whatever happens, is Alan here two more years. "Ford Chairman Bill Ford clarified how long Mulally would asked remain, and we could go longer". "Of course, I love Alan." I have never enjoyed with anyone, so much (and) I would like to be him forever. "But part of the manifestation of a great CEO developed into a great team."

So, from the perspective of the Executive Board the man responsible are now 51-year-old mark fields, the Jersey boy, the many - including Mulally--credit with the creation of the "great elements" a turnaround plan the bankrupt, in contrast to his city rivals rivals General Motors and Chrysler Ford helped.

Both Mulally and fields praise the new Chief heaped operating Office, be aware of the strong performance of fields operations how the maker result revealed in report in the third quarter. Despite the increasing losses in Europe, margins in North America under were essentially flat net profit of the company, at $1.6 billion, primarily to the whopping 12% industry's highest and best at Ford since 2000.

One of the most important duties of fields will make the company weekly Thursday morning oversee, where literally every key aspect of the company is discussed. Through these meetings, was Mulally, outlines a new recruit from Boeing its plan, in the year 2006 first a Ford to consolidate regional network of the company into a truly global automotive powerhouse.

It was also there the Mulally received a clear understanding of the challenges in a company, which was historically famous for what Bill Ford as his personal "empire building and envy", recalls in his first session of Thursday asked Mulally of Ford's management team, how everything went. "Good," came the answer from everyone present. "If so," back Mulally shot, "How do I get about losses of tens of billions of dollars?"

At the next meeting, fields broke to tradition, raising his hand to admit that his operations problems had and ask for help. In the past, it could be a career-ending step fails to admit have. Instead winding up there helping cement his future.

"The growth in (fields) we have seen in the last six years enormous, was", Mulally said during a conference call.

Announcement on Thursday showed also a number of other important personnel changes.

The 45-year-old Joe Hinrichs, seen as a complete alternative to fields, will replace his colleague as President of America. Hinrichs had refers to Ford's crucial runs and region - fast growing Asia Pacific Africa booming China - 2009.

Stephen Odell, a Senior Executive in Europe was named executive Vice President and President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was until now serve as President, Chairman and CEO von Ford of Europe. The British-born Executive had supervised the sale of Ford's Volvo subsidiary former and served also a detour to Japan with former affiliate Mazda, Mazda Motor Co. The 57-year-old Odell revealed an extensive turnaround plan for Europe, including three plant closures just last week.

The end of 2007 Ford, Jim Farley, a unique Toyota Star came was global head of sales, service and marketing, in line with the strategy a Ford. He adds the role of senior leader of Ford's Lincoln luxury brand now long worried. Until recently, however, Lincoln was limited to a presence in the United States and some other markets. It is to start soon in China and finally rolling out worldwide.

Replacing Hinrichs as Chief of operations David Schoch, 61, be Asia Pacific currently running fast-growing Chinese companies to the man of the manufacturer. African operations will now be realigned with Europe, Odell.

The last top-management shift is 46-year-old John Lawlor of Chairman of Ford Motor China become.

Several observers said they were pleased to see Ford senior managers like Hinrichs, Odell, and Farley, keep the latter taking account in particular of some likely companies to jump if fields won the top spot in an attempt to move himself up the ladder. In turn, CEO Mulally and Chairman Ford enjoy compressed the team to keep.

It is not unusual that top executives on the payroll in a limited role remain, as it was named the retirement age - reached as GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz "Consultant" for a short period of time - keep Mulally clearly a strong role at Ford going forward. But there will be more strategic as before, something that the corporate culture change, which can be important for the success of his program a Ford further decisive.

The goal of a company is, that "can pivot," if necessary accommodation to the ever faster changes of the modern world, to react, said Bill Ford, great-grandson of the founder, automaker Henry Ford. "I hope Alan's lasting legacy is that we react through the lens of reality and clarity," he added, then shows that yellow not Mulally write the time card is for a couple of years older.

For his part, said he will also continue to serve the still surprisingly boyish Mulally in the enjoyment of his boss. "My contract is a very firm handshake with the Chairman and has always been."

Read More

Ford's Mulally enjoys $34.5 million payday

DETROIT — Ford CEO Alan Mulally is $34.5 million richer after shares granted two years ago vested this week.

The payout is sure to be a sore subject among some Ford factory workers, who have cited Mulally's pay when they have voted against contract changes. Mulally made $26.5 million in 2010, making him the ninth highest-paid CEO in the U.S. last year, according to calculations by The Associated Press. United Auto Workers President Bob King has called Mulally's pay "morally wrong."

But the company says Mulally's compensation is fair because it's tied to the shares' success.

"Our compensation philosophy is to align the interests of our leadership with those of our shareholders," Ford said in a statement Tuesday. "Ford's stock was $1.96 a share at the time of the 2009 awards, and is over $12 a share today. That is a more than a 500 percent increase, which benefits all stakeholders in the Ford turnaround."

Mulally was given 4.8 million stock units for his performance in 2009, a pivotal year in the company's turnaround when it posted its first annual profit since 2005. Ford withheld 1.9 million shares for taxes. The remaining 2.85 million units were converted to shares worth $34.5 million at Tuesday's closing stock price of $12.09.

The stock awards were disclosed Tuesday in a regulatory filing. Mulally's 2011 salary and other compensation will be released later this spring.

Mulally also received 1.2 million stock options that will fully vest in three years. Those options have a strike price of $12.49 per share. He was also granted 376,000 stock units for his 2011 performance that will convert to shares in 2014.

Mulally, 66, has been widely credited with turning Ford around since he was hired as CEO in 2006. He made the critical decision to mortgage most of the company's assets — including its Blue Oval logo — for $23.5 billion to fund a turnaround. That decision helped the company avoid taking government aid and filing for bankruptcy in 2009, two steps that rivals General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group were forced to take. Mulally also has streamlined global operations and introduced successful new models like the Ford Explorer SUV and Ford Fiesta subcompact.

In an interview with The Associated Press last fall, Mulally defended his compensation, saying it is entirely tied to the success of Ford.

"The vast majority of my compensation is at risk, because the numbers that you see are only realizable if we profitably grow the corporation. And that's the way it should be," he said.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Ford CEO Mulally shines in the midst of Executive shakeup

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

Two of the most senior and respected members of the Executive Board by Ford Motor Company will withdraw the automaker announced on Thursday morning. But CEO Alan Mulally said that he himself has "no plans to retire", and insisted that shake-up no measurable effect on the way have the Executive, as the Detroit manufacturer works.

But Mulally, 65, has made clear that he is the next generation of Ford Manager, including the Executive, the him ultimately success.

This announcements morning include a number of senior members of the Ford management - but sees a new name of the group, the company's Board of Directors election Jon Huntsman, the former Republican presidential candidate, in his ranks.

"Jon understands the importance of strengthening that country's production, which contributes to our success, future", said Ford Chairman Bill Ford.

But the other changes will be immediately noticeable. Gradually down Derrick Kuzak, the veteran engineer who oversaw Ford's shift from a regional to a global development strategy; and booth of Lewis, chief financial officer, financial turnaround at an economic downturn lead dramatic industry maker's, which saw its two domestic competitors bankruptcy helped.

To date, 63, will be was succeeded by Robert Shanks, 59, currently Ford's Vice President and controller, with 34 years of experience with the second largest of the Detroit automakers.

Subsequent Kuzak are 60, Director of global product development Raj Nair, who has treated a wide range of technical tasks at Ford in the last quarter century, recently serving as the Chief Engineer for global product development.

Toyota shifted more hybrid production in United States

The move to global, came instead of regional product development, perhaps the most important element in the plan, that a former Boeing was by the Ford team since Mulally, Executive, end of 2006.  Mulally is central to a Ford strategy, it resulted in the total number of products, platforms and drives the automaker a drastic reduction developed.  Instead, vehicles such as the new 2013 Ford Fusion - with relatively minor change - in the markets all over the world, significantly reduces cost and complexity sold.

While Kuzak and the State CEO Mulally stressed changes "The Ford plan is absolutely clear and unchanged" in the course of the planned senior were crucial for the development and the transition to the approach of a Ford.

Korean automaker Hyundai is on a roll

He was one of the most important steps shortly after the accession of Ford, Mulally said, was to ensure that a traditionally competitive management system - where executives had to always to her job sure - moved a cooperative approach was. However, he added, has talent to draw Ford "a deep bench" of developed.

Raised the question of his own retirement. Although still boyish Mulally turned 65 last year, he remains active and alive and has repeatedly declared that he sees no need to go further. He repeated that on Thursday during a conference call media claim it has "no plans to retire" anytime soon.

Will KIA reveal a next generation soul?

Yet he must Mulally acknowledged, eventually with the hand on the reins, which suggests that "Ford a robust succession at every location is absolutely committed."

In the ongoing speculation of a selected group of names on routinely Mulally, could succeed in finally appears again. But with his upcoming retirement status is now from the list.  Among others seem the strongest candidates, mark fields, Ford of President of America, and Joe Hinrichs, who serves as President of the Asian and African operations.

Chrysler Eastwood caught display in political storm

Observers tend to the fields give the better chances, partly because Hinrichs today as young, 45, for the CEO-point applies, and has not quite as much experience as the 50-year-old fields.

Of course there is again the possibility that the Ford outside could reach how it for Mulally, although Act and Chairman Bill Ford has both the CEO the desire expressed, next to pull the head from internal ranks, if possible.

The management shake up announced that Thursday sees several other prestigious executives move the career ladder.  Hau Thai-Tang manages Nair as top global engineer of the manufacturer.  And Stuart Rowley, currently Ford CFO for Europe, steps in Shanks job as controller.

Chief financial officer of Ford, which will Lewis booth, and global product Chief Derrick Kuzak, retire, reports CNBC's Phil Lebeau.

Read More

Search successor Ford CEO Mulally

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co has started considering successor to Alan Mulally, Chief Executive credited with turning around the No. 2 U.S. automaker over the past five years, for a person with knowledge of the matter.

Ford executives mark fields, Jim Farley, and Joe Hinrichs were internal candidates seen as Mulally successfully, if he retires. Executive Chairman Bill Ford has repeatedly stated that he wants to be the next CEO of Ford executive ranks.

Earlier this month, Ford said executives met with Phil Martens, Chief Executive of aluminum products manufacturer of Novelis, as part of a process of early-stage-the view of external options, the source, which are called, because the process is private and provisional declined. Novelis is the U.S. India's largest aluminium producer HindalCo Industries Ltd.

Ford spokeswoman Karen Hampton said that Ford does not have a search for descendants Mulally.

Martens fell to each meeting, saying: "I am sure that Ford Motor Company will do what is best for Ford."

Mulally identify the successor is crucial for Ford, as the 66-year-old Executive so closely with the success of the company and the prevention of the Federal Republic of rescue operations, leading U.S. saved is identified.

Mulally joined 2006 by plane manufacturer Boeing at Ford and has control of the automaker back from the brink of bankruptcy with $23 billion in bonds and a plan to simplify German "A Ford," and unify credited product development and delivery.

The Wall Street Journal, which first informed the CEO search, cited unnamed sources say Mulally was expected, that period of two years in retirement. Bill Ford said that he wants Mulally on the labour market to stay as long as he is ready.

The newspaper identified also Hyundai Motor Co North American Chief John Krafcik as an external candidate. Krafcik could not be reached to comment.

Martens and Krafcik worked previously at Ford.

"It is not true," Mulally said question of Fox News on Tuesday morning, when he was abandoned. "But I can understand people, which after Ford closely, because it is so important and its success the United States is so important."

The Ford Board has given were long-term succession planning for the post-Mulallay era for several years as part of its normal review, senior executives, including Bill Ford said.

In 2006, Ford was desperate to an outsider to take over the automaker then fight to find been DaimlerChrysler Dieter Zetsche and Nissan's Carlos Ghosn reach. Bill Ford, who resigned as CEO to accommodate Mulally, although swore, that experience in the future to avoid the building a deep Bank executives from the successor is to be drawn.

Fields, 50, head of the Ford is operations in North and South America; Farley, 49, is global marketing manager of the company; and Hinrichs, 44, head of the Ford operations in Asia and Africa, including China and India.

Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis booth, 63, also has Mulally, as a potential successor to been seen, although his age with could leave a shorter term than other candidates him.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

Read More

With 65 Ford CEO Mulally has no plans to retire

WILMINGTON, Del. - Ford CEO Alan Mulally brushed back talk retirement Thursday, saying that he has given no thought to resign now that the company is profitable.

"I have ever thought not," Mulally, said 65, during a brief meeting with reporters after Ford Motor Co.'s annual shareholders meeting in Wilmington, Del.

Mulally is retirement is the subject of frequent speculation because he turns 66 in August.

Mulally said he is pleased with Ford and also has no plans. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, who himself raised and was Mulally as CEO in 2006, joked that it left not be Mulally discuss by 2025. The company has to have a mandatory retirement age.

Mulally was commissioned from Boeing Co., Ford, save the close to bankruptcy at the time was. At Ford, he has cut brands, plants, and staff and plowed the savings again in cars and trucks, the now hot seller. Sales of the merger are sedan, for example, by 23 percent to April, while the revised Explorer SUV sales have more than doubled.

Ford his written eighth straight quarterly profit in the first quarter. The win, the $2.6 billion was Ford's first quarter best in 13 years.

Shareholder Robert Tenney of Sherburn, n.y., congratulated Bill Ford, the "vision and humility", the order, turn over CEO to Mulally.

Mulally was rewarded for his success. 2010, He received a pay package in the value of $26.5 million, + 48 percent from the year before. Including were estimated a basic salary of $1.4 million and stock option awards almost $ 15 million.

An AP analysis for standard & poor's 500-company Mulally ninth among the top 50 highest paid CEOs place in 2010.

Mulally is pay has angered United Auto Workers members, who agreed and pay to help cuts during the recession struggling Ford.

Earlier this spring is UAW President Bob King Mulally pay level called "morally wrong." Auto workers will vote this fall on a new contract with Ford planned.

Mulally Thursday asked his remuneration as also the unionised workers, to bind is to everyone's efforts that compensation of the company's performance "absolutely the right direction" to go. He said that everyone with the company connected hard work, to grow it help.

None of the 100 shareholders at the meeting said Mulally's pay. The annual general meeting, which some took more than an hour, was the shortest on record, said the company.

A vote to the some of the family take could control of the company of the Ford. The family is currently voting 40-percent control due to a two-stage share structure that gives more value to their shares.

Noted the company against the idea, but advocates, that the support for it is growing. Thirty-two percent of shareholders for him voted, up from 29 percent in the last year.

Ford rose shares to close 11 cents to $15,26 Thursday. This is almost double their price was when Mulally CEO.

Shares fell as low as $1.43 2008 Ford, as it was unclear whether the company would go bankrupt or seek federal help. Ford has not. The share price is continuously since then, increased trade as high as $18,97 earlier in this year.

Copyright 2011, the associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Read More