Microsoft CEO hunt: Nokia boss Elop would consider selling off Xbox business - rumour

Microsoft's hunt for Steve Ballmer's CEO position is still up for grabs, but sources close to the matter have apparently said that former Nokia boss Stephen Elop is formulating his plans ahead of joining the company. Whether or not he'll get the CEO position remains to be seen however.

It follows word that Microsoft's CEO hunt was narrowed to these four candidates, including Elop.

The report comes from Bloomberg, which cites three sources as saying Elop is poised to bring about big changes within Microsoft. The first being the availability of Microsoft Office programs on competing smartphone and tablet devices, including those created by Apple.

Elop is said to be mulling over new changes within the company as he gears up to take an internal role, following the $7.2 billion sale of Nokia to Microsoft in September. It is still unclear if he will be offered the CEO position.

The same sources have suggested that Elop is willing to sell or close significant areas of Microsoft's business in a bid to improve its focus. Notable and potential casualties could be its Bing search engine, and the Xbox business - should it become non-critical to the business strategy moving forward.

It follows Elop's 40,000 job cut while at Nokia, which successfully reduced its operating expenses by 50 percent. It shows he's not afraid to streamline in the name of profitability.

What do you think of the above? Could you see Elop making big cuts at Microsoft if he gets the CEO position? Let us know below.

Via MCV.