Micron CEO keeps company moving

BOISE — The new chief executive officer of Micron Technology Inc. says there is nothing interim about his job.

Mark Durcan also says product development, possible acquisitions and improving markets are propelling the company forward following the death of the company's longtime leader, Steve Appleton.

Durcan made the comments last week in his first meeting with analysts after Appleton's death, the Idaho Statesman reported. Appleton was killed Feb. 3 when his experimental plane crashed at the Boise Airport, west of Micron's desert campus.

"I'm not as good as Steve at some sports, but I'm a hard-nosed competitor. There is nothing interim about my role as CEO of Micron."

Analysts had been looking for a definitive statement concerning Durcan's role because Durcan had announced a week before Appleton's death that he was planning to step down as president and chief operating officer in August.

Micron's board appointed Durcan as the interim CEO hours after Appleton died, and the next day removed the interim part of the title.

Micron's stock dropped 2.8 percent to $7.72 on the Monday after Appleton's death, which occurred on a Friday. Seven days after Appleton's death, Micron's stock closed at $7.91, down 4 cents from the previous Friday.