Nadella is leading the Microsoft to catch up in online and mobile computing. Bates came to Microsoft two years ago as CEO Skype was acquired and was recently elevated to lead the technology giant's business development and overall strategy. The two internal candidates apparently gaining prominence within Microsoft.

Elop, although seen as an external candidate for the CEO job, is set to return to his former employer after the closure of 5.44 billion euro acquisition of Nokia's handset business. However it remains unclear if Mullay will leave Ford, which he has led since 2006. He has repeatedly said he plans to adhere to his agreement to stay with Ford until the end of 2014.

On Mullay leaving Ford for a high job at Microsoft, the automobile company’s spokesman Jay Cooney said: "There is no change from what we announced last November. Alan remains fully focused on continuing to make progress on our One Ford plan. We do not engage in speculation."

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