Microsoft Said to Lean to Mulally, Nadella in CEO Search

Microsoft Corp.’s board is focusing on Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally and internal executive Satya Nadella as part of a group of more likely candidates to become the next CEO of the world’s biggest software company, according to people familiar with the matter.

While internal candidate Tony Bates and former Nokia Oyj CEO Stephen Elop remain in the mix, they’re currently considered less likely to be offered the job, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private. Preferences remain fluid and other people are being considered and could emerge as front-runners, said one of the people, without identifying any.