Microsoft CEO: Who’s On Tap?

Microsoft CEO. Wonder who’s next to fill this role? Many people are beginning to be curious who will be the next CEO of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). With Steve Ballmer on his way out soon enough, it is only natural for everybody from consumers to investors to be thinking about this.

Could Stephen Elop be the Next CEO of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)?

With Microsoft set to acquire Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK)’s handset business, there is one obvious name coming up time and time again: Stephen Elop.

Since he is the outgoing CEO of Nokia, it only makes sense that Microsoft considers him for the same post in the near future.

While this would be a huge victory for Elop, it is safe to say that he doesn’t need the money. He is set to receive roughly $25 million in salary and stock as part of the deal between Nokia and Microsoft.

Of course, there are a few roadblocks standing in the way. Most notably, Microsoft has to receive regulatory approval to acquire this part of Nokia’s business. While this shouldn’t be an issue, you never know what is going to happen along the way.

There is no denying the fact that the next CEO of Microsoft is going to pull in quite a bit of money. Elop, however, is going to clean up before that ever happens. His payout includes roughly $19.7 million in stock and $5.5 million in salary and incentives.

According to a recent report, Microsoft is on the hook for 70 percent of this money while Nokia will clean up the rest.

Since Microsoft announced its plans to purchase Nokia’s handset business, many have begun to speculate if Elop would be the next CEO of the company. At the time, it is the plan for him to run an “expanded devices team” at MSFT, which will include overseeing all of the company’s current devices.

Final note: if you don’t think the next CEO of Microsoft is going to come from the outside, but instead somebody who has been working for the company for a long time, you may want to reconsider. Remember, Elop worked at Microsoft for a few years before joining Nokia as CEO in 2010.

When Steve Ballmer finally bows out sometime over the next year, the next Microsoft CEO is going to step in with a lot on his plate. It will be interesting to see if Elop is tabbed for this position, thanks to his experience and knowledge of the company, or if the company looks elsewhere for a commander in chief.

Recommended Reading:

Is Leap Wireless a Good Investment?

What Jim Chanos Thinks About China, Apple Inc. (AAPL) & Where He’s Looking Next

Mario Gabelli On Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) & Elon Musk

Disclosure: none