Microsoft CEO candidate While Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor, was a top contender for the executive post at Microsoft until just a few weeks ago. However, differences between the two entities that could not be resolved. Mulally was a pick by investors wanting to make drastic shifts in the Redmond, Seattle-based firm.

apart from that, the presence of both Chairman Bill Gates and lame duck CEO in office, Steve Ballmer intimidated other external candidates too since the hierarchy of the board spelled resistance for broad change at the software firm.

Selection of insider Indian Satya Nadella, suggests that Microsoft will rely heavily on his expertise in cloud computing, and marketing strategies. This is probably what left him in the lead for the post in comparison with other suitable candidates.

The recommendation comes with a twist as Nadella is thought to ask for help from Gates, who will move closer to the technology role from his current position as Chairman. Mr. Nadella is negotiating with board members on the switch, say reports.

Earlier speculation led to Chairman Gates taking over the reigns again as CEO of the company, after his long term designation as CEO which he left to pursue a broader role at Microsoft. His interest in philanthropic activities led him to spend more time at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation working alongside investment guru and Berkshire Hathaway entrepreneur, Warren Buffett.

Rick Sherlund, analyst at Nomura lobbying for external candidates to turn the ship around at the helm said, "From the technical side, Mr. Nadella is a good choice," adding, "we do not want to see a continuation of the existing direction for the business, so it will be important that Mr. Nadella be free to make changes," said Sherlund in an online report by FirstPost.