Everything seems to be just fine at Baidu
However, things aren't as rosy at Baidu if we go by the actions of its executives. Chief Technology Officer Yinan Li resigned for "personal reasons" yesterday, just 10 days after COO Dr. Peng Ye stepped down -- also for "personal reasons."
Executives are certainly entitled to leave their companies, even if it's not entirely their decisions. But investors prefer to see a little stability at the top, especially when two key executives are moving on.
One can always argue that this is the ideal time for a shake-up. Even if Google isn't serious about its threat to bow out of the world's most populous nation, throwing down the gauntlet against a historically unwavering government can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. China can't let Google humiliate it publicly and get away with it.
The catch is that Google's potential exit isn't just an opportunity for Baidu. It's also a dinner bell for Sohu.com's
Shedding executives -- no matter how "personal" the reasons -- is not the message that Baidu wants to be sending with its stock in uncharted waters.
Are bailing executives signs of bigger problems at Baidu? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
