14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates is one of those seen as the top choices for the company’s CEO seat now that Steve Ballmer is retiring and no one seems to really be prepared to take over from him.
Gates, on the other hand, says he has no intention to switch to a full-time role at Microsoft, as he wishes to continue his charity work worldwide.
Still the chairman of the company, Gates told the Financial Times in an interview that he indeed wanted to work closer with the new Microsoft CEO, but he did’t plan to return to the company in a full-time position. He does want to spend “considerable time” with Ballmer’s replacement though, most likely to make sure that Microsoft’s new direction is the right one.
As for the leading candidates for the CEO seat, sources say that former Nokia boss Stephen Elop and Ford’s head Alan Mulally are still the top choices for the company’s board. A decision is expected to be made by the end of the year.