Microsoft Corp. announced today that Timothy Chen has resigned as head of Microsoft Greater China Region and that the company has begun a global search for his successor.

Many stockholders wish they could look into a crystal ball to forecast a firm’s performance. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that they need something far less mystical to predict future innovations of firms. “The answer lies in the words of the CEO,” said Rajesh Chandy, professor of marketing at the university’s Carlson School of Management.

GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt announced that Charlene T. Begley has been named president and CEO of GE Enterprise Solutions, a new business that is focused on helping GE’s global customers increase their productivity through superior information management and automation solutions.