Mulally Poised to Leave Ford Early?

Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally may leave the company before the end of 2014, according to Reuters.

Mulally, 68, had been expected to remain at least through next year under a succession plan outlined by Ford's board last autumn. He told shareholders the same thing in May and reiterates it in response to the Reuters report.

But unidentified sources tell Reuters that Mulally is considering a new high-profile job, perhaps with the Obama administration. He also has been cited as a possible successor to Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer, who last month announced plans to retire.

Mulally insists to Reuters that he is "absolutely focused" on Ford. But the news agency says the company's board is now amenable to his possible early departure because it is believes Ford's executive team is capable of continuing the company's spectacular recovery.

Mulally joined Ford in 2006 and quickly established a focused and more collaborative culture around his "One Ford" theme. Mark Fields, who was promoted to chief operating officer last year, is widely considered as Mulally's most likely successor.