Microsoft Board Said to Refine CEO List at Meeting

Microsoft Corp.’s board will meet on Nov. 18 to trim a list of chief executive officer candidates, with the goal of whittling the roster to three to five people, said a person with knowledge of the process.

Directors are aiming to have a choice as soon as next month to replace CEO Steve Ballmer, who is retiring, said people familiar with the search, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential. After narrowing the list at the meeting, directors plan to interview final candidates over the next several weeks, said one of the people.