Journalism of Courage
Microsoft Corp has narrowed its list of external candidates to replace chief executive Steve Ballmer to about five people,including Ford Motor Cos current chief Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop,according to sources familiar with the matter.
The worlds largest software maker also has at least three internal candidates on its shortlist,including former Skype CEO Tony Bates,who is now responsible for Microsofts business development,and Satya Nadella,the companys cloud and enterprise chief,the sources said.
Despite the shortlist,the process could still take a few more months,the sources said. In August,Ballmer said he would retire within 12 months.
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,the sources said.
