Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer Says God Comes Before Family and Work

Photo courtesy of Reuters
Marissa Mayer

By Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter

November 28, 2012|12:19 pm

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has outlined her main priorities in life in her first public interview since taking charge of the corporation, saying: "I think that for me, it's God, family and Yahoo – in that order."

While Mayer has not publicly discussed her personal faith, at the Fortune Most Powerful Women event in Palo Alto, Calif., on Tuesday night, the Yahoo CEO referenced Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of the Green Bay Packers whose Catholic faith played a prominent role in his life, as the inspiration behind the quote.

Mayer was appointed as Yahoo CEO in July after leaving Google, Inc.. which has led to a 19 percent jump in the company's stock. She is currently the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Yahoo has over 700 million users and delivers news and sports stories, and also provides email service.

"Yahoo is a really fun place to work. I love the people there, I love the spirit of the place," Mayer said during Tuesday's event.

The 37-year-old executive gave birth to a baby boy in late September, one week before her due date. The fact that she was six months pregnant when she was appointed as Yahoo's CEO made headlines around the world.

Discussing her first baby with husband Zachary Bogue, Mayer said at the Fortune Most Powerful Women event that having a child was "way easy."

"The baby was easier than everyone made it out to be. I think I've been really lucky that way, I had a very easy, healthy pregnancy. So these have been two terrific surprises – the kid has been easier, and the job has been fun," said Mayer.

As for her strategy for getting things done, the executive said, "You have to ruthlessly prioritize. I haven't been talking – we have been really internally focused."

"The company's been through a turbulent period and a distracting period," Mayer said when she took over as CEO. "I want Yahoo to be the absolute best place to work, to have a fantastic culture. We're working really hard right now to remind people about all the opportunities that are there."