Image

Ford to Replace CEO Mulally in 2014

April 21, 2014
COO Mark Fields could take over the chief executive position as soon as May 1.

NEW YORK - Alan Mulally will likely retire and be replaced as CEO of Ford Motor by chief operating officer Mark Fields by the end of 2014, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Fields could stake over the chief executive position as soon as May 1, according to some media reports.

A Ford spokeswoman would not comment on the reports, only saying that "Nothing has changed from the previous announcement."

In November 2012, Ford announced the promotion of Fields, 53, formerly president of the company's Americas division, as chief operating officer, tasked with managing business operations.

Meanwhile, CEO Mulally oversaw strategic development, and Ford at the time said he was expected to remain in that job "through at least 2014."

Mulally, a former top executive at Boeing, won strong reviews for his leadership of Ford, helping it avoid a government bailout during the financial crisis.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker notched impressive sales growth under Mulally. Earnings rose 26.3% in 2013 to $7.2 billion.

In late 2013 and early 2014, he was frequently mentioned as a candidate to lead Microsoft, but the software giant ultimately turned inward for a new CEO, choosing Satya Nadella.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2014

About the Author

Agence France-Presse

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002-2024. AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!