Two reports claim that Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s enterprise and cloud chief may be its next CEO. One report from Kara Swisher, claims him to be the likeliest candidate with two other candidates Stephen Elop and Tony Bates now seem further behind in this CEO race.
And, at this moment, those who have watched the process think that insider Satya Nadella, who is currently leading its enterprise effort, is the likeliest internal candidate to prevail. The two other insiders — strategy head Tony Bates and Nokia leader and former Microsoft exec Stephen Elop — seem further behind. But while sources said they have not been updated recently as to their status in the search, neither has as yet been told he is out, either.
Another report from Bloomberg is more sure about Satya as the final choice and also claims that Bill Gates may be replaced as chairman as well.
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)’s board is preparing to make Satya Nadella, the company’s enterprise and cloud chief, chief executive officer and is discussing replacing Bill Gates as chairman, according to people with knowledge of the process.
One person the board is considering to take the place of co-founder Gates as chairman is Microsoft lead independent director John Thompson, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the process is private. Even if Gates steps down as chairman, he may be more involved in the company, said two people familiar with the matter, particularly in areas like product development.
Satya Nadella has some impressive credentials and long history with Microsoft. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and has had leadership roles in cloud services, server software, Internet search and business applications.
According to Bloomberg,
As president of Microsoft’s server business, Nadella boosted revenue to $20.3 billion in the fiscal year through June, up from $16.6 billion when he took over in 2011. That unit became cloud and enterprise when Ballmer overhauled Microsoft’s structure in July to focus the company on devices and services.
But the question to be asked here is, whether at this crucial juncture when Microsoft has chosen to become a devices and services player and Nokia’s phone business acquisition is big proof, will Satya be a better choice than others?
