Internet Giant Says Co$-$Founder Larry Page Will Replace CEO Eric Schmidt

Google Inc. surprised the technology world by naming co$-$founder Larry Page to replace longtime Chief Executive Eric Schmidt, the biggest management shake$-$up since the Internet search giant was an obscure California start$-$up$.$

Mr$.$ Schmidt, who has been chairman and CEO but shared decision$-$making with Mr$.$ Page and co$-$founder Sergey Brin, is stepping aside in April into the new post of executive chairman.

The company, which has grown into the world's biggest Web company by market capitalization since its $2004$ initial public offering, said it was