Mini Me for Microsoft

Kara Swisher reports that Microsoft can’t be expected to choose a new CEO before next month at the soonest. There’s a whole host of logistical reasons — the Gates Foundation annual report, Davos, Redmond’s quarterly report — but the the most important reason might be found here:

Gates is a key player in the CEO search, despite the high profile of another director, John Thompson, who is heading the search process. “This is a Gates search, even though the board is very involved,” said one source with knowledge of the situation. “But nothing is going to happen without him, especially since he will be much more involved in the company going forward.”

Much more involved? Gates doesn’t want a new CEO for his company; he wants a sockpuppet.