Ericsson boss Vestberg rules himself out of Microsoft top job

Announcement on Ballmer's replacement expected imminently

Ericsson boss Hans Vestberg has ruled himself out of the running to become Microsoft's next chief executive, less than two weeks since his name was first linked to the role.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg was tipped off by sources close to the recruitment process that Vestburg was under consideration, but speaking in Sweden today, he put paid to the rumours.

"I am committed to Ericsson," he said in an interview. "I plan to stay here if the board supports me as well as the employees and customers."

Bloomberg also reports that Vestburg repeated his sentiment to Ericsson's board of directors.

At the end of last year, Microsoft board member John Thompson - who is leading the search for current chief executive Steve Ballmer's replacement - said that an announcement would be made in "early 2014". But throughout this month, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped on the process, giving nothing away as to who the next boss could be, or when the announcement is likely.

Vestburg is not the first rumoured candidate to have pledged commitment to their employer in light of rumours of defecting to Microsoft: Ford boss Alan Mulally ruled himself out of the running in an effort to prevent unnecessary distractions for the carmaker.

Other rumoured candidates linked to the role are Microsoft insiders Satya Nadella, who runs its enterprise and cloud business, and Skype boss Tony Bates.