News that Microsoft (MSFT -1.27%) is acquiring Nokia's (NOK 2.03%) handset business along with former Microsoft exec Stephen Elop just as Steve Ballmer has announced his upcoming retirement has sparked speculation that Elop could be the software giant's next CEO.

Elop left Microsoft's business segment to become Nokia CEO and is now right back at the company he left behind. Microsoft hopes to become a devices-and-services company, and Elop could very well be a practical choice to pursue that vision.

In the following video, Erin Kennedy discusses the possibility of Elop becoming Microsoft CEO with Evan Niu, CFA, and Eric Bleeker, CFA.