Microsoft urged to consider turnaround experts over Stephen Elop as new CEO

At least three of Microsoft’s top 20 shareholders have urged the company to consider turnaround experts as a potential replacement to outgoing chief executive Steve Ballmer.

Reuters reports turnaround experts including Ford chief executive Alan Mulally and Mike Lawrie, the boss of IT services firm Computer Sciences Corp, have been recommended by shareholders as potential candidates for the position.

The news comes in the aftermath of the resignation of Microsoft’s former chief executive Steve Ballmer, amid reports he might have been pushed following a $US900 million write down in unsold Surface tablet inventory and weak PC sales.

Ballmer was also known for his unorthodox presentation style.

As SmartCompany has previously reported, former Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop has been widely tipped to replace Ballmer, especially following Microsoft’s recent takeover of Nokia’s mobile phone handset division.

However, Elop’s time as Nokia chief executive remains controversial.

According to the report, sources within the company say the special committee selecting Ballmer’s replacement has already begun meeting with key shareholders, and could name a replacement by the end of the year.

In one such meeting, the company revealed it had begun with a list of around 40 internal and external candidates, and is narrowing it down.