Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK): Did Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Just Buy a New CEO?

Moreover, Microsoft’s acquisition of the Nokia mobile phone division backs up the company’s verbal commitment to becoming a “devices and services” company. As head of the devices side of the business, Elop has an inside track to the CEO seat. Since he led the business division during his previous stint at Microsoft, Elop has plenty of experience on the services side, too.

Microsoft’s focus on becoming a devices-and-services company may be a strategic misstep. The company might be better off doubling down on its business focus, as one prominent activist investor has urged. However, that ship has sailed; the Nokia acquisition will push Microsoft head-first into the device market. Elop’s position at the center of that shift makes him the top candidate to become Microsoft’s third CEO.

The article Did Microsoft Just Buy a New CEO? originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Adam Levine-Weinberg.

Fool contributor Adam Levine-Weinberg owns shares of Apple. Adam Levine-Weinberg has the following options: long January 2015 $390 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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