The search for Microsoft’s third CEO continues.

Microsoft’s board of directors expects to conclude looking for the company’s new CEO in early 2014, according to a blog post from board member John W. Thompson on Tuesday morning.

On The Official Microsoft Blog, Thompson, chair of the board’s search committee, noted that they’ve been looking both internally and externally for Steve Ballmer’s replacement. On Aug. 23, Ballmer announced that he would be retiring from Microsoft within 12 months. Ballmer took over the CEO position from Bill Gates in 2000; Gates is currently Microsoft’s chairman.

“As a board, we are determined and confident that the company’s third CEO will lead Microsoft to renewed and continued success. We’re looking forward to 2014 and the opportunities and decisions that lie ahead,” wrote Thompson, adding that he’s pleased with the board’s progress in searching for candidates from a variety of different industries and skill sets.

“We identified over 100 possible candidates, talked with several dozen, and then focused our energy intensely on a group of about 20 individuals, all extremely impressive in their own right. As you would expect, as this group has narrowed, we’ve done deeper research and investigation, including with the full board.”

Thompson noted that Microsoft produced strong quarterly results, which were announced in October, and released new versions of Windows and Surface products and launched Xbox One around the world.