Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, is the man reportedly tipped as favorite to become the next Microsoft CEO. However, Mulally has quashed all rumors, saying he will continue working with Ford and not leave for Microsoft.
According to Mulally, there's no change in Ford's succession plan to have him being the head of the company until the end of 2014. However, with Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, scheduled to leave the company in the next 12 months, it is still possible for Mulally to be in the hot seat.
According to CNN Money, when Mulally was asked by reporters if he was approached by Microsoft, he refused to give a straight answer, only saying he does not comment on speculations.
In 2012, Ford named Mark Fields as president, which is a position that was previously unfilled. It could be a gesture that Fields could be the person to replace Mulally, should he leave the company in 2014.
For now, there is no reason for Mulally to leave Ford, since things are going very well for automaker. Sales are strong in North America and the company's restructuring in Europe is finally beginning to take shape as Ford cut losses in that market in the last quarter by half. Furthermore, Ford is growing substantially in China, and the company is aiming to earn at least $8 billion this year.
On Thursday, via a press release posted on Ford's website, the company said it earned $1.3 billion, down 22% from $1.6 billion in the same period a year ago.
"Ford's record results in the third quarter show the strength of our One Ford plan around the world," Mulally said. "Working together, we remain committed to serving customers in all markets with a full family of vehicles, offering the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value."
Mulally, 68, has been the front man for Ford since 2006. He managed to guide the automaker through the auto industry collapse without seeking a government bailout.
