Mulally Rules Out Move to Microsoft

Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally tells the Associated Press he wants to end speculation about his possible move to head Microsoft Corp., declaring, "I have no other plan to do anything other than serve Ford."

Added Mulally, "You don't have to worry about me leaving," according to the news service.

He has been repeatedly rumored in recent months to be on a short list of finalists to replace Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Last August Ballmer said he would step down sometime this year when a successor is found.

Mulally has insisted all along that he remains solely focused on Ford, where he took over as CEO in 2006. He is credited with keeping the company out of bankruptcy and piloting the company to nearly $33 billion in pretax profits, including an expected $8.5 billion in 2013.

Mulally mortgaged all Ford's assets, including its logo, to amass a $23.5 billion loan to fund a global restructuring. He acted quickly to rid the company of inefficient regional and jurisdictional fiefdoms, pushing a "one Ford" mantra that champions honest assessment of the company's problems and an emphasis on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

Speculation about Mulally's possible move to Microsoft has been a distraction for the carmaker, just as it begins it most comprehensive new-model replacement program in history. Last year the company said it will hire 11,000 workers worldwide and introduce 23 new or updated models during 2014.