Microsoft is close to naming cloud head Satya Nadella as new CEO

After 160 days, Microsoft’s CEO search may finally be coming to a close.

Sure, we’ve heard these rumors before, but now Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft is close to naming its choice: Satya Nadella, the company’s current head of cloud and enterprise group.

A report from Re/code this morning suggests that Microsoft is aiming to announce the replacement within the next week. Re/code also pointed to Nadella as the likely candidate for the job.

Nadella has spent over 20 years at the company in myriad roles. He has a strong technical background and is familiar with the structure of the company, making him a less contentious choice than other candidates.

Microsoft was also considering strategy head Tony Bates and Nokia leader Stephen Elop for the CEO position, according to various reports.

Microsoft’s executive search has dragged on for half a year, hindering a large-scale company restructuring. Whoever the company picks, Microsoft employees are ready to a welcome a new leader, if only so they can get back to work.