Allan Mullaly, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is sticking to his previous statement that he has no plans of leaving the automaker early. Mullaly reiterated his position during today’s 3Q earnings call with analysts and investors.
UBS analyst Collin Langan asked Mullaly to comment on media reports that he is considering leaving the company for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) or another position, and whether he is still committed in leading the company until the end of 2014.
Mullaly answered, “There’s nothing that has changed about our plan that we announced last November, and I’m clearly excited and honored to continue to serve Ford.” Take note that Mullaly did not deny or confirm the speculations that he might be the next CEO of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
Mullaly denied rumors
Dee-Ann Durbin of the Associated Press also asked Mullaly if he is in talks with the management of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) regarding the CEO job, but he refused to comment on the issue. According to him, “We don’t comment on the speculation.”
Earlier this month, Mullaly denied rumors that he is the top choice to succeed Steve Ballmer, who will be retiring as CEO of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in twelve months. Speculations arose that he will replace Ballmer after Reuters reported that he is exploring other high-profile positions to take after his retirement at Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) next year.
Absolutely focused on serving Ford: Mullaly
Mullaly told Reuters that he is “absolutely focused on serving Ford” and he is “having so much fun creating an exciting, sustainable, and profitably-growing Ford for everyone.” He shared a similar comment with Bloomberg in response to rumors that he is considering leaving the automaker earlier.
Prior to joining Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), Mullaly led the commercial airline business of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA). There had been reports that he wants to return to Seattle, Washington and his target is to lead Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) reported $0.31 earnings per share on $1.3 billion revenue for the third quarter of 2013. The company said that its profits in North America remained strong and its operating losses in Europe are declining.
Bob Shanks, chief financial officer of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) stuck to his previous statement that he has no plans of leaving the automaker, saying, “North America continues to achieve strong profits and we saw significantly improved results outside North America. We substantially reduced our losses in Europe, set a record third quarter profit in Asia Pacific Africa and saw a $150 million improvement in South America.”
