Ford CEO Alan Mulally Is Now In The Lead To Be Microsoft's CEO

Wretched · 30-09-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Ford CEO Alan Mulally appears to be the front runner to succeed Steve Ballmer at Microsoft, Kara Swisher at AllThingsD reports.
Prior to running Ford, Mulally was CEO of Boeing, which is based in Seattle. Swisher says he still has a home in Seattle, and would love to return to the area. Microsoft is based in Redmond, which depending on traffic, is a pretty short trip away.

Mulally is close with Ballmer, and reportedly consulted Ballmer on his recent reorganization of the company.

Mulally isn’t a tech guy, but he is a good businessman with turnaround expertise. He might be a good fit for Microsoft, which is more like GE than it is like Apple. Microsoft is a massive organisation working on lots of different projects.

Microsoft has consumer and enterprise businesses that are very successful, but it’s had trouble articulating a vision for how the company operates. Mulally might be able to get that vision clarified.

Stephen Elop, the former Microsoftie who ran Nokia for 3 years is also in the mix, says Swisher, but it seems like Mulally is the preferred choice right now.

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/fo...#ixzz2g8dmrI3T

I'll be disappointed if Mulally does move but understand why he would. Another part of me wants to see what he can do for MS.

FPV GTHO · 30-09-2013, 03:21 PM

Ford are already in a position looking to succeed Mullaly at least, so I don't think they would be left hanging if he did move to Microsoft.

**janddbone** · 30-09-2013, 04:13 PM

If he goes we might actually get some good cars to go along with this new found profitability!

Wretched · 30-09-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett.r.johnstone

If he goes we might actually get some good cars to go along with this new found profitability!

Define good?
You saying the upcoming Mustang isn't good?
You don't think the Mondeo/Fusion is good?
Focus/Fiesta?

His management style has brought Ford back into a healthy state with a clear direction into the future. I for one am thankful for what he has done for the company.
You can spend money on cars that are fast and look exciting but without a direction and bread and butter cars to fund them you're not going to last long.

tezxr8man · 02-10-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

Define good?
You saying the upcoming Mustang isn't good?
You don't think the Mondeo/Fusion is good?
Focus/Fiesta?

His management style has brought Ford back into a healthy state with a clear direction into the future. I for one am thankful for what he has done for the company.
You can spend money on cars that are fast and look exciting but without a direction and bread and butter cars to fund them you're not going to last long.

He has done a great job business wise with FoMoCo but most of the cars are boring and front wheel drive now which is cheaper to produce not nessesarily better, there are exceptions but mostly they have lost soul lately

Wretched · 02-10-2013, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

He has done a great job business wise with FoMoCo but most of the cars are boring and front wheel drive now which is cheaper to produce not nessesarily better, there are exceptions but mostly they have lost soul lately

FWD != boring
When you say boring, compared to what?
They make cars that pretty much compete in all segments and are considered bench marks for dynamic ability. Not everyone wants a street racer for a car and Ford have realised that...finally. I think their range at the moment is one of the best available. All preferences are catered for.

What "soul" could they have anyway? What cars within the last 5 years from Ford have had "soul"? Don't say Falcon, barring the FPV/XR models the rest are pretty bland and boring.

BLUEYBA · 02-10-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

FWD != boring
When you say boring, compared to what?
They make cars that pretty much compete in all segments and are considered bench marks for dynamic ability. Not everyone wants a street racer for a car and Ford have realised that...finally. I think their range at the moment is one of the best available. All preferences are catered for.

What "soul" could they have anyway? What cars within the last 5 years from Ford have had "soul"? Don't say Falcon, barring the FPV/XR models the rest are pretty bland and boring.

Thats the point. soon we won't even be able to get those FPV/XR's. You start with bland and work on it to get the soul. ATM Ford have more bland than anything else. Sure they do have some exciting things but not much

tezxr8man · 02-10-2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

FWD != boring
When you say boring, compared to what?
They make cars that pretty much compete in all segments and are considered bench marks for dynamic ability. Not everyone wants a street racer for a car and Ford have realised that...finally. I think their range at the moment is one of the best available. All preferences are catered for.

What "soul" could they have anyway? What cars within the last 5 years from Ford have had "soul"? Don't say Falcon, barring the FPV/XR models the rest are pretty bland and boring.

nobody ever said that we all need street racers,I have driven pretty much every ford on the market in oz right now and I can say that besides the Rspec GT or the turbo falcons, nothing really gives me that feeling of enjoyment or that feeling of yes I want this.
That's not to say they are a bad cars or I am 100% right but I don't enjoy driving them.
At the end of the day tho Mullally has done a great job at bringing ford back from the brink and he needs to be commended and will be remembered for it. good luck too him

wrongwaynorris · 30-09-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett.r.johnstone

If he goes we might actually get some good cars to go along with this new found profitability!

Without Mullaly there was a very real possibility that there would not even be a FORD . I for one will be sad to see him go . FORD owe him a debt they can never hope to repay .

**janddbone** · 30-09-2013, 04:35 PM

All those things are true of course.

The cars have only been middling the pack in my opinion. The new models are either still unavailable or still not particularly good! (Fiesta probably goes closest to best in class.) New Mustang is an unknown of course, will sit and hope!

Bossxr8 · 30-09-2013, 05:11 PM

Mark Fields will be his successor and he will do good. He saved Mazda's butt before he came to Ford, and with a few years working alongside Mullally he will have no problems taking over.

**Raptor** · 30-09-2013, 06:44 PM

He has sorted out the company structure and balance sheets but Ford now desperately need a Product/Car guy as the CEO.

The way they are headed they are just like everyone else. None of the offering particularly excite me at present.

XBGTFGGTP · 01-10-2013, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

He has sorted out the company structure and balance sheets but Ford now desperately need a Product/Car guy as the CEO.

The way they are headed they are just like everyone else. None of the offering particularly excite me at present.

Unfortunately not everyone wants to drive a Falcon that is only half as good as what it should be. You have to make money on bread and butter cars in order to have special cars and these are coming.

**janddbone** · 30-09-2013, 08:12 PM

Spot on Raptor. Profitable over the short term, but what about the longer term if a generation of customers are alienated... Not saying much of his work was not needed, of course it was, but a change will be good.

FPV GTHO · 30-09-2013, 08:33 PM

I must be missing something here, where did Ford turn to bland overnight? Their cars are still near class leading from what I can see.

Fordman · 30-09-2013, 09:24 PM

Mullaley was crucial to Ford. It will definitely be a loss. That said he seems to be more of a type who comes in and makes changes and goes.

I think Fields deserves his chance at the top. It will be fascinating to see it all pan out.

mrghia · 01-10-2013, 01:28 AM

a CEO change could result in a different result in the closure of your plant especially if the next falcons sells good numbers

Bossxr8 · 01-10-2013, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrghia

a CEO change could result in a different result in the closure of your plant especially if the next falcons sells good numbers

That ship has long sailed. There will no miracles here.

The board of directors make those calls, not just one man.

chevypower · 01-10-2013, 03:31 AM

Well I think their cars are spot on. I know people on here think he's a failure because Ford isn't making big old RWD boats with V8s that don't sell. But the market doesn't want them anymore. The 'big boat' market moved to pickups and full-size SUVs, Ford still has the Mustang as the driver's car, and it still offers a V8. The Escape, Fusion, and Focus are hot items, catering to the masses. F-series and global Ranger.... hot selling items. But Ford's going to lose long-term profitability because it's not making large RWD V8 sedans? Interesting. Yep, I am betting on Mark Fields too.

Moby Vic · 01-10-2013, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

Well I think their cars are spot on. I know people on here think he's a failure because Ford isn't making big old RWD boats with V8s that don't sell. But the market doesn't want them anymore. The 'big boat' market moved to pickups and full-size SUVs, Ford still has the Mustang as the driver's car, and it still offers a V8. The Escape, Fusion, and Focus are hot items, catering to the masses. F-series and global Ranger.... hot selling items. But Ford's going to lose long-term profitability because it's not making large RWD V8 sedans? Interesting. Yep, I am betting on Mark Fields too.

Even though I drive an antiquated big boat (Crown Victoria Police Interceptor), I agree with you.

I just hope the next Mustang chassis at least spawns a RWD Lincoln.

chevypower · 01-10-2013, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

Even though I drive an antiquated big boat (Crown Victoria Police Interceptor), I agree with you.

Yeah I don't mind the big boats, but as I was looking at the Holden/Chevy Caprice, I was thinking "I would like that, but I wouldn't buy one." I think we have to get out of the mentality that we should expect them to build things we like just because we're nostalgic. I would like them to build a new version of the '57 Bel Air, but they won't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

I just hope the next Mustang chassis at least spawns a RWD Lincoln.

I have been betting all along, that it will. A Lincoln coupe and convertible that is.

Moby Vic · 01-10-2013, 05:59 AM

A Lincoln sedan would be nice, too.

chevypower · 02-10-2013, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

A Lincoln sedan would be nice, too.

It's a shame they wasted the "Mark" name on the three-letter abbreviation for the current models MKX, MKS etc. Makes it hard to go back.

Syndrome · 01-10-2013, 08:17 PM

He won't have as much luck at Microsoft. Not that many things to sell to make the books look good.

BTW - Is It Just Me Or Do Other People Find It Annoying When People Start Every Word With A Capital Letter?

LeadFoot81 · 02-10-2013, 01:33 PM

To all the people complaining about uninspiring products from Ford, and bleating that Mulally isn't a 'product guy'...what's really gotten worse in the last 8 years? Ford has better products in all segments (and is now properly competing in some untapped ones) and soon the range will have the global Mustang as a halo model. Mulally spearheaded the delivery of the right products for the right people at the right time, and this has equalled $$$

Is Ford's revitalised range the problem? Or is Falcon's retirement in 2016 colouring your opinions?

LTDmonger · 02-10-2013, 03:26 PM

I still stand by my comment.
I have no grievances with Mulally's efforts in regard to Ford's bottom line and steering a clear path through the GFC.
What savvy CEO wouldn't have?
To those who say the last 8 years have brought 'exciting' new models vastly superior to their competitors please, enlighten me.
Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo....any reason that I would select one over a Mazda/Toyota/Hyandai of the same?
Mustang?...a couple of grainy spy-shots and it's already the best new sports car to date.
F-series?...where is it?,why can't I buy one? it's supposed to be 'one Ford now'
Ford is fast becoming the 'new' Toyota and this seems to please the masses.

**DJM83** · 02-10-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDmonger

I still stand by my comment.
I have no grievances with Mulally's efforts in regard to Ford's bottom line and steering a clear path through the GFC.
What savvy CEO wouldn't have?
To those who say the last 8 years have brought 'exciting' new models vastly superior to their competitors please, enlighten me.
Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo....any reason that I would select one over a Mazda/Toyota/Hyandai of the same?
Mustang?...a couple of grainy spy-shots and it's already the best new sports car to date.
F-series?...where is it?,why can't I buy one? it's supposed to be 'one Ford now'
Ford is fast becoming the 'new' Toyota and this seems to please the masses.

So they should have kept the ones that dont sell, like your beloved LTD and been out of business already....
The Falcon/Territory etc themselves arent exactly vastly superior....
The ones that sell, will continue to be sold in a few years time, the ones that dont have gone and are going, after all Ford is a business and they need to make money.
Some people will never be happy.

LTDmonger · 02-10-2013, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

So they should have kept the ones that dont sell, like your beloved LTD and been out of business already....
The Falcon/Territory etc themselves arent exactly vastly superior....
The ones that sell, will continue to be sold in a few years time, the ones that dont have gone and are going, after all Ford is a business and they need to make money.
Some people will never be happy.

What ever cars I choose to drive/own has NOTHING to do with my comment.
For your information I was one of the first in WA to test drive and privately purchase a EcoBoost Falcon.
More than enough space to stash my stilettos.

Wretched · 02-10-2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDmonger

To those who say the last 8 years have brought 'exciting' new models vastly superior to their competitors please, enlighten me.
Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo....any reason that I would select one over a Mazda/Toyota/Hyandai of the same?

Quality, dynamics and drive train would be three of the top reasons why.
You only have to read the multiple reviews of these three segments and each time a car is reviewed it is automatically compared to Focus/Fiesta/Mondeo (Golf/Polo too) as benchmarks.

Why would you select it or should, that is up to your own preference and requirements. Just like any other car.

As for exciting, in the last 8 years...well we have had 2 versions of the Focus ST, both brilliant in terms of handling and fun factor; only outshone by the Megane RS, 2 versions of the Fiesta ST again showing the others in the segment how it is done.
We have also had the Focus RS....nuff said.
Mondeo XR5.

Whilst I have no right to dictate a person's preference of car, I think there is enough justification as to why the Fords in all three of the above segments are more than capable of out shining all but the VW.

Quote:

Mustang?...a couple of grainy spy-shots and it's already the best new sports car to date.
F-series?...where is it?,why can't I buy one? it's supposed to be 'one Ford now'
Ford is fast becoming the 'new' Toyota and this seems to please the masses.

Really? One Ford is not something that will happen within a couple of months, you need to wait until product and model cycles are refreshed. Not all of the current generation were built for RHD, not all compliant with our standards, marketing needs to be prepped, people trained, etc. These things take time and we're finally seeing it happening (Kuga, confirmation of RHD Mustang, etc).

Ford is there to make money out of selling volume cars. They are NOT a niche car maker. Ford have always sold to the masses, that was the mantra at the start. So what if they are the next Toyota, I am happy about that, massive sales, big profits and even more exciting product range that Toyota. In my opinion this current range of Ford worldwide is the best they have had in a long time.

Nikked · 02-10-2013, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDmonger

Ford is fast becoming the 'new' Toyota and this seems to please the masses.

Ford have always been a "Toyota" from day dot, well actually Toyota became a Ford...the whole point of Ford and the Model T was to provide the world with a basic, popular car. When the company has money and freedom, then the other markets can be attacked, such as cars like the GT40.

Mustang, thunderbird, falcon, all cars originally built to please the masses...

And you have to please the masses, ford build a range of passenger and commercial vehicles, cars that a majority of people buy world wide. To put down a man and his company for building up a successful post GFC company by only coming up with a "Toyota" comment is bland and ingnorant dribble...