Back in August 2013, Microsoft Corp's Steve Ballmer said he would be retiring within 12 months. And now sources have narrowed that list of external candidates to replace the Chief Executive to about five people. The list is said to include Ford Motor Co's current chief Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop.

The names of the other possible candidates are still unknown. It is believed that the search committee is interviewing executives from a wide range of sectors, including life sciences and consumer.

There are at least three internal candidates on its shortlist, including former Skype CEO Tony Bates, who is now responsible for Microsoft's business development, and Satya Nadella, the company's cloud and enterprise chief.

Business Insider