Microsoft's list of external candidates to replace outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer has been narrowed to about five people, Reuters reported today, citing sources familiar with the matter.

　　These include the reported frontunner Ford CEO Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who joined Microsoft when the company purchased the handset maker's mobile business for $7.2 billion in September.

　　Microsoft is also considering at least three internal candidates for the position, including former Skype CEO Tony Bates and EVP of cloud and enterprise Satya Nadella, according to the report.

　　Reuters reports that Microsoft began its search for Ballmer's replacement, with the help of an executive recruiting team, with about 40 names in mind. It is unclear how far along negotiations are or when an official announcement will be made.

　　In August, Ballmer said he would retire within the space of 12 months, but not before his successor was named. Reuters said today that the process could take a "few more months," though a past report indicated Microsoft plans to complete the process before the end of the year.

　　The Xbox One launches in just over two weeks on November 22 for $500.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Call of Duty: Ghosts Video Review

　　How Alan Wake II Made Me Face My Fear of Horror Games

　　GameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2023Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutFirearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter