Microsoft cloud's Indian-origin boss Satya Nadella among frontrunners for CEO post

As Microsoft's hunt for its next chief intensifies, former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is reportedly likely to be pushed down by Indian-origin cloud chief Satya Nadella and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

The software giant is looking for a suitable candidate to replace Steve Ballmer, after he resigns in the next nine months, and had shortlisted Elop, ex-Skype president Tony Bates along with Nadella and Mulally.

According to The Verge, the focus is apparently now on Nadella and Mulally and the other two former chiefs are said to remain potential candidates but less likely to be chosen for the coveted position.

The report said that Mulally appears to be the favorite to succeed Ballmer, while Ford continues to dismiss the rumors.

Nokia's former chief had been considered a strong favorite, with recent speculation suggesting he would consider a strategy shift at Microsoft if he secured the CEO position that included maximizing sales of Office and shut major businesses including Bing search engine and contemplating sale of the Xbox business, the report added.