Steve Ballmer, Microsoft Corp.'s Chief Executive Officer, announced retirement in the next 12 months. This left the computer software maker in woes to find the next possible candidate after his departure. The replacement for the 57 year old Ballmer would come from internal and external candidates. A search committee was created headed by John Thompson with co-founder Bill Gates. A listing for possible candidates was made before the exit of Ballmer to shortlist the next CEO of the firm. This was according to a statement issued by Microsoft today.

The possible candidates for the soon-to-be vacant position include Tonay Bates, Qi Lu, Terry Myerson and Satya Nadella. These were the leading names that were seen qualified for the CEO position at Microsoft. This was according to a person with direct knowledge of the executive selection in the company. However, the source asked not to be named as the matter was held in private.