The potential about-face in Yahoo's spending plans falls in line with Ms. Mayer's technology-heavy background, said Ron Josey, an analyst with research firm ThinkEquity, but it still caught some investors by surprise.

WSJ: Yahoo May Reverse Alibaba Cash Plans

The arrival of the 34-year-old Betsen caught many by surprise, but Rees expects the France veteran to prove he still has what it takes.

BBC: Start of a new era at Wasps