14 DAY TRIAL // As Softpedia reported to you this morning, Stephen Elop will return to Microsoft in the coming months as part of the Nokia acquisition and will lead the Devices team within the Redmond-based tech giant.
While the switch is not at all surprising given the fact that Elop is an ex-Microsoftie who decided to leave in order to get the CEO seat at Nokia, it also leads to more speculation regarding the next CEO of the Windows maker.
Stephen Elop has been considered one of the candidates for the CEO role, with some pundits claiming that he’s now in pole-position to take over from Ballmer.
While no details have been provided on such a scenario, chances are that Elop would become the next Microsoft CEO once the acquisition is finalized in early 2014.
Until then, Elop will lead the Devices team, the same unit that’s currently the responsibility of Julie Larson-Green, ex-Windows boss and also a candidate for the CEO role.
Ballmer explained in an internal letter that Larson-Green and Elop will both lead the Devices division once the Nokia takeover comes to an end.
“Stephen Elop will be coming back to Microsoft, and he will lead an expanded Devices team, which includes all of our current Devices and Studios work and most of the teams coming over from Nokia, reporting to me,” he said.
“Julie Larson-Green will continue to run the Devices and Studios team, and will be focused on the big launches this fall including Xbox One and our Surface enhancements. Julie will be joining Stephen’s team once the acquisition closes, and will work with him to shape the new organization.”
Given the recent rumors that Microsoft is planning to announce a new CEO soon, Stephen Elop has all the chances in the world to take over the vacant seat once the acquisition is finalized. It remains to be seen, however, if he has what it takes to get the Redmond giant back on track.