Microsoft reportedly narrows down search for CEO

6 Nov 2013

Microsoft has reportedly whittled down its search for a CEO to replace Steve Ballmer. Apparently, Ford Motor company chief Alan Mulally and former Nokia chief Stephen Elop have made the cut for external candidates for the job.

Reuters cited “sources familiar with the matter” as having said Microsoft has created a shortlist that includes at least three other names.

That shortlist, according to the report, includes former Skype CEO Tony Bates, who now manages Microsoft’s business development; and Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise chief Satya Nadella.

Microsoft’s search for a CEO could still take several months, the Reuters report added.

This past August, Ballmer declared he was stepping down as CEO at Microsoft.

This move was taken by Ballmer in the midst of the company’s transition to renew itself from a software provider to a devices and services company.

At the time, Ballmer said, “We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction.

“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. We have embarked on a new strategy with a new organisation and we have an amazing senior leadership team.”

Microsoft sign image via James Marvin Phelps/Shutterstock

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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