Microsoft appears to be narrowing its CEO search even further. The software maker previously reportedly shortlisted Ford CEO Alan Mulally, former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, Microsoft cloud boss Satya Nadella, and former Skype president Tony Bates. Bloomberg News now reports that Microsoft’s board is focusing on Mulally and Nadella. Bates and Elop are said to remain potential candidates, but they’re both “less likely” to be offered the position. While Mulally appears to be the favorite to succeed Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, recent speculation suggests that the 68-year-old could be more of a “caretaker” CEO to guide Microsoft in the right direction before an internal candidate is ready to take over. Ford continues to dismiss the Mulally rumors. “There is no change from what we announced last November,” said a Ford spokesperson in a statement issued to Bloomberg News.
