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Yahoo! hires new CEO
Carol Bartz jumps onboard

By Stephen Shankland

Published: Wednesday 14 January 2009

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

Yahoo! chairman Roy Bostock said in a statement Tuesday: "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!.

"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 spent 14 years as Autodesk's CEO 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 are used by hundreds of millions of people.

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

Bostock said in a statement: "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."