The information was revealed to Reuters by two people familiar with the plans of the board of directors at the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F]. The sources also revealed that Mulally was considering a new role outside the automotive industry, with suggestions including a post in the Obama administration as well as a possible replacement for outgoing Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
Mulally originally came to Ford in 2006 from Boeing. At the time, Ford had posted a loss of $12.7 billion and was struggling to maintain control of several different brands include Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. His mastermind move was securing a $23 billion loan prior to the financial crisis of the last decade, helping it avoid bankruptcy and a federal bailout.
While Mulally insists he is focused on his job at Ford, the automaker has prepared for his departure and has a succession plan in place. First in line to receive the top job is widely believed to be current COO Mark Fields.
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