14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft continues the search for a new CEO, with a new report now indicating that Redmond wants to announce Steve Ballmer’s successor before the end of the year.
Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft has until now discussed with Ford CEO Alan Mulally, former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, former Microsoft executive Paul Maritz, and Microsoft's business development and evangelism chief Tony Bates, all of which are said to be leading candidates for the CEO seat.
Citing people close to the matter, the source is also adding that eBay CEO John Donahoe was invited to a short round of negotiations, but he quickly declined any possibility to join Microsoft in the near future.
There’s still no indication on who could take over from Ballmer, but others reports are pointing out that Ford’s CEO Alan Mulally is the leading candidate for this position, even though he repeatedly said that he wants to stay with the American carmaker until 2014.
Outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer said in his retirement announcement that he would step down sometime within the next 12 months, as soon as a successor is found.
It appears, however, that this upper management shift is set to take place a lot sooner, as Microsoft’s board of directors is willing to find someone to take over the vacant seat before December 31.
According to a report by The Verge, it all comes down to the Nokia acquisition, as Redmond is hoping to find the new CEO before the deal is completed in early 2014.
Nokia is expected to play a key role in Microsoft’s mobile strategy, so whoever takes over from Ballmer will have not only to continue his vision and the migration towards devices and services, but also to put the focus on the mobile market and integrate the Finnish producer into the Redmond business.