Will a new Microsoft CEO bring change?

Microsoft founder Bill Gates gave an tear jerking update on the hunt for a new CEO to replace Steve Ballmer at a meeting for shareholders last night, but remained tight-lipped as to the timescales when a successor would be crowned.

Current boss, Ballmer announced his plans to retire in August and said he would step down within 12 months.

Speaking to shareholders, Gates said the search – which has included both internal and external candidates – was going well and he was pleased with how it was panning out.

“We have been doing a lot of meetings… and we are pleased with the progress,” he said.

“In fact, we met last night and talked a lot about where we are… It’s a complex role to fill, a lot of different skills, experience, and capabilities that we need.

“It’s a complex global business that the new CEO will have to lead. And they will have to drive across fundamental transitions to create new growth and to attract and manage top talent.”

Reports have emerged suggesting that five candidates are in the running, including Nokia boss Stephen Elop, Ford boss Alan Mulally and Microsoft executives Tony Bates and Satya Nadella.

Gates simply said a “number of candidates” were being assessed and that he would not give a timeline as to when the new boss would be announced.

The Microsoft president held back tears as he paid tribute to Ballmer and looked forward to the company’s new era.

“We [have] got a commitment to make sure that the next CEO is the right person for the right time for the company we both love,” he said tearfully.

“And we shared commitment that Microsoft will succeed as a company that makes the world a better place, so thank you for your support.”

Will a new CEO bring change? Will Microsoft as we currently know it change forever?

**source channelweb.co.uk**