Former Ford boss Mulally joins Google

JUST days after officially stepping down from his post as president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally has joined the board of directors of Google.

The technology and internet search giant broke the news on July 15, although the appointment became effective July 9 – eight days after Mr Mulally handed the reins at Ford to chief operating officer Mark Fields.

In a statement, Google CEO Larry Page said Mr Mulally, who will serve on the company’s audit committee, said: “Alan brings a wealth of proven business and technology leadership experience. I am so pleased that Alan is now joining Google’s board.”

Mr Mulally, who has worked at the highest levels in the automotive and aviation industries (he was executive vice-president of Boeing before joining Ford in 2006), said he was “honoured to serve on the board of a global iconic company that is dedicated to enhancing our lives”.

“I look forward to working together with the Google board and management team to continue to deliver their compelling vision,” he said.

Mr Mulally, 68, joins Google as the company is developing self-driving cars and a new in-vehicle operating system known as Android Auto.

He was reportedly in line to take over the top job at Microsoft earlier this year, but the post eventually went to the head of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group Satya Nadella, some six months after Steve Ballmer announced his retirement in August 2013.

Regulatory filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission reveal that Mr Mulally will be granted an initial equity award of $US1 million ($A1.07m) in Google shares, annual compensation of $US350,000 in shares, a $US75,000 cash retainer and reimbursement of expenses.