TORONTO – Microsoft is coming closer to picking a new CEO, narrowing its list of external candidates to replace Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, according to an exclusive report from Reuters.
According to the report, which cited “sources familiar with the matter,” the list of external candidates has been narrowed down to about five people – including Ford Motor’s current chief Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO, Canadian Stephen Elop.
Reuters reported that Microsoft still has at least three people in mind from within the company, including former Skype CEO Tony Bates and Satya Nadella, who is currently in charge of Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise business.
Microsoft announced in August that Ballmer would retire within 12 months.
A special committee was formed to head the search for a new CEO, which includes the company’s founder Bill Gates.
Read More: Microsoft says CEO Steve Ballmer will retire in 12 months, stock up
In September Nokia announced that Stephen Elop – a former Microsoft executive – would step down as CEO, fueling speculation that Elop may be a front runner for Microsoft’s CEO position.
Elop, born in Ancaster, Ont., is a graduate of computer engineering and management at McMaster University. He previously served as COO of Juniper Networks and president of worldwide field operations at Adobe.
Reuters noted that, according to their source, the names of other candidates were not revealed and that the process of picking a new CEO is expected to take a few more months.
Read More: Microsoft investors pushing for Bill Gates to step down: report
Comments