Google Turned Upside Down
Google this week ousted CEO Eric Schmidt, giving the largely figurehead role of executive chairman. Co-founder Larry Page essentially gave himself the CEO title, as he and the board apparently believe Page has added business chops to his already obvious technical skills.
The company isn't commenting -- so it is up to us to speculate on the whys. Part of it could be a pure power play. Page is enjoying his wealth. He lives in a Palo Alto mansion and just bought a $45 million used yacht (is this a Larry Ellison in the making?). Another issue? While Eric Schmidt is immensely technical, he doesn't have a huge history of inventing. And invention is Google's lifeblood.
Or maybe Schmidt is the fall guy for the company's missteps, as chronicled in my next item. Or perhaps Eric is an embarrassment, having put his foot in his mouth as often as Rosie O'Donnell put a Twinkie in hers.
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/21/2011 at 1:18 PM