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Microsoft insiders tamp down notion that Elop is on fast track for CEO job

Updated Sep 5th, 2013 9:18AM EDT
Microsoft CEO Candidate Elop

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With Stephen Elop returning to Microsoft after the company agreed to pay $7.2 billion to buy Nokia’s handset division this week, there has been some speculation that the former Nokia chief now has the upper hand to take Steve Ballmer’s place as the company’s CEO. But unnamed sources who are “familiar” with the Microsoft board of directors’ thinking tell Reuters that Elop should not be considered the frontrunner to take over the company, especially because his “track record at Nokia is decidedly mixed.” Outgoing CEO Ballmer on Tuesday acknowledged that Elop is a candidate to take his old job although he didn’t give any hint that Elop has the inside track.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.