Ford's Mulalley, Not Nokia's Elop, 'Just What Microsoft Needs' - Channel Partners

* *Editor's Note: Click here  to see which channel people were on the move in June and July.**

Despite Microsoft's recent announcement that it's buying Nokia's devices and services unit, Stephen Elop is not the front runner to take over Microsoft when Steve Ballmer leaves. So say "sources close to the situation," All Things D reported. Ford CEO Alan Mulalley is seriously being considered to head the technological giant when Steve Ballmer retires.

Mulalley has shown interest in the job, despite being reluctant at first, the report said. Mulalley helped Ballmer put together Microsoft's new management structure.

Neither exec would comment on the story, but Ford recently gave its CEO approval to step down earlier than specified in his contract.

"I think Mulalley would be an excellent choice for Microsoft because he satisfies the three criteria we identified as critical for the next CEO of Microsoft back in August," said Yankee Group research vice president Carl Howe. "At that time, we said Microsoft's next CEO must be an outsider to today's Microsoft organization, have professional big-company management experience and build confidence in Microsoft's direction on Wall Street. While we identified three other executives, Mulalley nicely fits the bill. I hope Microsoft can reach a deal with Mulalley, because he could be just what Microsoft needs to turn itself around."