Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Yahoo chairman forced out in boardroom cull

Wednesday 08 February 2012 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The widening boardroom cull at Yahoo last night claimed the company's chairman, Roy Bostock, and three other non-executive directors.

Their resignations are a victory for dissident shareholders, led by hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb, who have been demanding that the faded internet pioneer find new blood and fresh ideas to tackle its strategic drift.

The latest changes follow the sacking of chief executive Carol Bartz last autumn and the exit of Jerry Yang, Yahoo's founder, last month. The company also named two Silicon Valley veterans to the board last night and said it was hunting for more independent directors. After the annual shareholder meeting in June, more than half the board will have been in post for under a year, it said. "This reconfigured board, with a fresh set of perspectives and diverse set of skills, will enable the company to move forward even more aggressively," said Mr Bostock, pictured.

Investors cheered the shake-up because it removes conservative elements that may put a brake on any reforms planned by Yahoo's new chief executive, Scott Thompson.

Last night's statement from Yahoo also suggested it was no longer expecting to sell a minority stake in the company to new investors. Two private equity-led consortiums had made bids, but "at this time there have not been any proposals which have been deemed to be attractive to our shareholders".

The company signalled it would continue to search for ways to unlock value from its stakes in Alibaba of China and Yahoo Japan.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in