TORONTO – Microsoft expects to finish its search for a new CEO to replace outgoing leader Steve Ballmer by early next year, the company announced Tuesday.
In a blog post published Tuesday, Board director John Thompson said the company has narrowed the list of possible candidates from 100 people to about 20 individuals.
“As you would expect, as this group has narrowed, we’ve done deeper research and investigation, including with the full Board. We’re moving ahead well, and I expect we’ll complete our work in the early part of 2014,” said Thompson in the blog post.
Thompson heads the company’s executive search committee, which includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
In August, the tech giant announced that Ballmer would retire within 12 months, less than two months after the company announced a sweeping reorganization of its business. Some have suggested that the reorganization is an attempt to reignite competition with competitors such as Apple and Google.
“Microsoft has had only two CEOs in its 38-year history. As a Board, we are determined and confident that the company’s third CEO will lead Microsoft to renewed and continued success,” read the blog.
READ MORE: Stephen Elop makes the cut as Microsoft narrows search for CEO: Report
In November, Reuters reported that the company had narrowed its list of possible candidates down to at least three internal candidates – including former Skype CEO Tony Bates and Satya Nadella, who is currently in charge of Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise business – as well as other candidates including Ford Motor’s current chief Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO, Canadian Stephen Elop.
With files from The Associated Press
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