Microsoft announced a few hours ago that Yahoo’s Qi Lu will become President of Online Services Groups and that Brian McAndrews, Senior Vice-President of Microsoft Advertising will be “transitioning out of Microsoft”.
My guess is that McAndrews, former CEO of aQuantive, has to decided to leave Microsoft to become Yahoo’s new CEO. As he has not received the President position (given to Lu) it makes sense that he will desire to take the helm as the head of an organisation. Yahoo’s top man makes a natural step for him. Given his experience, I can’t see anyone better poised to head Yahoo to reaffirm their position as the leader of online advertising. If Yahoo can wait for McAndrews’ non-compete to lapse, that would be a smart move for them.
Update 13-Jan-2009: Carol Bartz, ex-Autodesk CEO, appointed as Yahoo’s CEO. How bizarre.
