Microsoft's CEO search rattles boardrooms

[MICHIGAN] It wasn't long after Ericsson chief executive officer Hans Vestberg was identified as a contender for the top job at Microsoft Corp before phones were ringing off the hook at the telecom supplier's Stockholm offices.

The Jan 15 revelation was the main topic in at least one hastily convened meeting the next morning, according to a person who attended and isn't allowed to speak publicly on the matter.

A Stockholm-based senior engineer said that he scanned headlines first thing that day and was shocked by the news, even as he took pride in the prospect of Mr Vestberg running Microsoft. The candidacy is likely to be discussed at an Ericsson board meeting before the end of the month, another person said.