Microsoft is considering Ericsson chief executive officer (CEO) Hans Vestberg as a replacement for Steve Ballmer, according to a report.
Bloomberg reports Vestberg – who has seen Ericsson’s share price rise by 19 per cent and revenue increase to US$35 billion from US$32 billion since becoming CEO in 2009 – is under consideration by Microsoft, alongside internal candidates Satya Nadella and Tony Bates.
Ballmer announced his plans to retire in August last year after three decades in charge of the company, but the process of appointing a replacement has been a long and thus far unsuccessful one.
HumanIPO reported last month Qualcomm chief operating officer (COO) Steve Mollenkopf was the favourite for the job, but it was quickly announced that he had been named CEO of the chipmaker.
Last week Ford CEO Alan Mulally also withdrew from consideration for the position, stating that he planned to stay at the motor company for the duration of 2014.
