New GM CFO: Microsoft's Liddell |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Micron Tech CEO killed in airplane accident in Idaho
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- Best in-house lawyers sought by PSBJ
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Expedia partnering with China Southern Airlines
- Microsoft's Youngjohns: Let business dictate move to cloud
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Tweet signals Microsoft marketing layoffs
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- Getty Images has GUESTLIST music for movie trailers, ads
- Amazon sees gold in Babe Ruth or Wayne Gretzky trading cards
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Shop.com, backed by Bill Gates and Amazon.com, finds a buyer
- Amazon.com gets toehold in India with website, package center
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
New GM CFO: Microsoft's Liddell
When Chris Liddell announced his departure from Microsoft, the word from the company was that he wanted to expand his career beyond the role of chief financial officer. As it turns out, he's remaining a CFO, in what promises to be a considerably more challenging position. Automotive giant General Motors named Liddell its new chief financial officer this morning.
"Chris brings a depth and experience to this job that were unmatched in our search for a new financial leader," said Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and CEO, in the news release. "Chris will lead our financial and accounting operations on a global basis and will report directly to me. We're also looking to his experience and insights in corporate strategy as a member of the senior leadership team in helping our restructuring efforts."
There are no doubt some fun conversations taking place between Liddell and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who is a tried-and-true Ford guy, dating back to his dad's time working at the automaker.
Update: Here's a financial breakdown illustrating the differences in the companies' finances: GM reported (PDF) a $1.2 billion loss on $26.4 billion in revenue in the quarter ended Sept. 30. Microsoft, obviously in a completely different business, posted $3.6 billion in profits on $12.9 billion in revenue during roughly the same period.
Liddell was known for significantly reducing Microsoft's operating expenses during his tenure at the company, and that no doubt played a role in his appointment as finance chief for the struggling automaker.
And as a final note, it will be interesting to see if the hiring of Liddell creates stronger ties between Microsoft and GM. As we've reported previously, the auto company's use of OnStar wouldn't necessarily preclude it from adopting Microsoft's technology for connecting to phones and portable devices in cars. Ford has been Microsoft's flagship partner on that technology, with its Sync system, but Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said the pact would now let Microsoft work with other U.S. automakers, as well.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
Seattle University Graduate Programs Accepting Applications:
Seattle University now offers two graduate programs in computing. The evening Master of Software Engineering program builds upon the professional experience of its students and offers courses in a variety of technical and management topics, with an emphasis on teamwork and a disciplined approach to problem solving. The Master of Science in Computer Science program accommodates both full-time and part-time students and enhances students’ previous academic work in computer science, in order to develop technical depth and lifelong learning skills necessary for successful career advancement.
