Microsoft's Next CEO: Nokia's Stephen Elop Top Candidate?

Microsoft’s (MSFT) $7 billion buyout of Nokia’s cellphone business triggers a big piece of speculation: Will Nokia CEO Stephen Elop succeed Steve Ballmer as Microsoft’s top executive? Hmmm…

Ballmer in August 2013 said he planned to step down as CEO within a year — once Microsoft identifies and names a CEO succesor. The VAR Guy has identified a list of potential Microsoft CEO candidates. But a lot of folks are now pointing even more to Elop, who will rejoin Microsoft if the Nokia deal gains regulatory approval.

From 2008 to 2010, Elop led Microsoft’s Business Division, overseeing Office and Dynamics.

About a week ago, The VAR Guy speculated that Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates already had a CEO candidate in mind. Fast forward to the present… and perhaps the name in Gates’ head was Elop…