Management Toolkit

Yahoo announces Carol Bartz as CEO

Stephen Shankland CNET News

Published: 14 Jan 2009 08:39 GMT

Carol Bartz, Autodesk's former executive chairman, has replaced Jerry Yang as Yahoo's chief executive.

"She is the exact combination of seasoned technology executive and savvy leader that the board was looking for, and we are thrilled to have attracted such a world-class talent to Yahoo," Yahoo chairman Roy Bostock said in a statement on Tuesday. "The board is united in its view that her energetic and decisive leadership style, coupled with a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence and shareholder value, is exactly what Yahoo needs to get back on a path toward achieving its full potential."

Bartz, 60, spent 14 years as Autodesk's chief executive before becoming executive chairman in 2006. At Yahoo, Bartz's challenges will include adapting from a successful but relatively unknown software company to a struggling media company whose internet properties used by hundreds of millions of people.

In addition, Yahoo announced the departure of president Susan Decker.

"The board thanks Sue for her service as president, the important contributions she has made to Yahoo's development in a variety of roles over the past eight-and-a-half years, and her willingness to work with Carol Bartz to ensure a smooth transition. We respect her decision to move on to other challenges and wish her only the best," Bostock said in a statement.