Alan Mulally

We already told you thatSteve Ballmerannounced that he would step down as CEO of Microsoft in a matter of 12 months. In fact, we closely monitored the news and analyzed the reasons for it and possible successors.

Today we have to announce one of the most popular names of late to fill the position of CEO of Microsoft. This is Alan Mullaly, current CEO of Ford - the automobile company.

In a privileged position to be CEO

Sources close to Microsoft have commented, as reported by AllThingsD, that Ford CEO - Alan Mullaly- has placed himself in the first positions to become the new CEO of Microsoft.

Earlier this month the CEO of Ford denied that he was leaving the Detroit company and despite being 68 years old and having 7 years serving as CEO at Ford is one of the most recognizable characters in the American business environment.

CurrentlyMulallyis not looking for a job, but according to rumors, the idea may be spinning in his head.

Alan Mulally, heavyweight in the industry

Alan Mulally was CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes after an interesting career within the company after being signed out of the University as engineer Contributed to the development of multiple systems for many aircraft including the first control panel (cockpit ) digital on a commercial plane.

Boeing's headquarters are located in Seattle where he has a residence and has publicly commented that he would like to return and curiously it is in Redmond - Seattle where Microsoft has its headquarters . In addition, he was a close advisor to Ballmer in his efforts to create a new management structure for the company.

According to Reuters this month, the board of directors of Ford has offered him the opportunity to leave the position earlier than what he has signed in his contract, which some pointed to as a possible departure for Mullaly to work in the Obama administration.

However that step of leaving the company could lead you to another great tech company that needs a new CEO, and that's Microsoft .

Rivals to beat

Microsoft bought Nokia for 7,200 million dollars and it was thought that bb could come back to Microsoft and in this case as CEO.Although the sources comment that Elop is still on the list of candidates, they have confirmed that the tables are turned in favor of Mulally who has much more experience.

Another of those who could take over from Ballmer is Tony Bates, an executive at Microsoft as of today and whoever was CEO of Skype before his purchase.

Sources comment that although formal contract negotiations have not been entered into, serious conversations have been held with him about it. We will have to see if Mulally finally reaches Microsoft as CEO as the latest leaks suggest.

Via | AllThingsD In Xataka Windows | Possible Successors to Steve Ballmer: Inside and Outside Microsoft