Microsoft’s search for a replacement to current CEO Steve Ballmer, who is set to retire at the end of the year, has reached an important stage and the Company has narrowed down their short list of potential candidates.
According to Reuters, the company’s new CEO list includes three internal Microsoft candidates, as well as Nokia’s Stephen Elop, Ford Motor Co. chief Alan Mulally, and former Skype CEO Tony Bates.
“The names of other candidates could not be learned, but the search committee is interviewing executives from a wide range of sectors, including life sciences and consumer,” sources told Reuters.
Microsoft has narrowed the CEO list down from 40 candidates to the current five.
While Mulally’s name was mentioned by the source as having a one-in-five shot at being the head of technology giant Microsoft, Ford declined to comment on the news. “There is no change from what we announced last November. Alan remains fully focused on continuing to make progress on our One Ford plan. We do not engage in speculation,” said Ford spokesman Jay Cooney.
According to Reuters, Mulally was instrumental in turning Ford around and driving profits from within the car manufacturer. “Mulally, 68, is credited with inspiring a cultural change that helped Ford reverse its losses and avert a federal bailout in 2009. It remains unclear when Mulally will leave Ford, which he has led since 2006. He has repeatedly said he plans to adhere to his agreement to stay with Ford until the end of 2014.”
Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor
