More details on the new boss' background:

"Prior to becoming Executive Chairman of Autodesk in 2006, Bartz, 60, led Autodesk as CEO for 14 years, transforming the company into a leader in computer-aided design software. During her tenure as CEO, revenues increased from less than $300 million to more than $1.5 billion, and the company's share price increased nearly ten-fold.

"In addition to turning around Autodesk, Bartz's extensive executive experience includes hands-on responsibility for leading global operations, engineering, sales and marketing organizations for large technology and engineering companies including Sun Microsystems, Digital Equipment Corporation and 3M."

Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock said in a statement that Bartz was the only person to whom Yahoo offered the CEO job. Current company president Sue Decker was also reportedly a top internal candidate. She will resign from Yahoo after "a transitional period," the company announced.

Bartz said this, and more, in a statement: "There is no denying that Yahoo! has faced enormous challenges over the last year, but I believe there is now an extraordinary opportunity to create value for our shareholders and new possibilities for our customers, partners and employees. We will seize that opportunity."