Mulally, Elop remain atop Microsoft's CEO list, Reuetrs reports

Reuters is

“How Microsoft Lost Its Mojo: Steve Ballmer and Corporate America's Most Spectacular Decline”

has placed Ballmer's position under heavy scrutiny. News of Ballmer stepping down was announced on August 23rd. Reuters reported that “the two known internal candidates have been gaining prominence within Microsoft.” Elop ran Microsoft's business software division before accepting top ranks at Nokia in 2010. Elop maintained close ties with his former employer by exclusively adopting Microsoft's Windows Phone platform on all its devices. In September it was announced that Microsoft will purchase Nokia's phone business for $7.2 billion as Elop will step down as Nokia's CEO and accept a position with Microsoft again. Mulally is an aeronautical engineer who, before Ford, was the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Mulally reportedly advised Ballmer on the One Microsoft reorganization, perhaps fashioned after One Ford as the two are reportedly friends. Mulally is widely known and respected for reversing Ford's losses and inspiring a cultural change. Mulally has held the top position at Ford since 2006. Reuters also reported of possible dark horse candidates which include Tony Bates. Bates was the former CEO of Skype and has held senior titles at Microsoft such as business development since Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011. Satya Nadella is also in the running according to Reuters. Nadella is the company's cloud and enterprise chief. Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and is responsible for the company's $19 billion Server and tools Business. According to his

research report

published on November 6, analysts at Nomura Securities believe that Mulally will be the new CEO by December.