Citing people familiar with GE’s thinking, the Wall Street Journal reported that Jeff Immelt may give up leadership of General Electric sooner than his expected 20-year tenure, as he and fellow directors re-evaluate the right term for its chief executive.

According to the people, the Journal said Immelt has led several board discussions about shortening the expected tenure for GE’s next chief executive to between 10 and 15 years.

The Journal notes that among the leading candidates are Lorenzo Simonelli, a youthful rising star who took over leadership of GE’s oil and gas unit last year; and Steve Bolze, leader of power and water, GE’s biggest unit. Former CFO Keith Sherin, who now leads GE Capital, could be a candidate if a shorter term opens up the pool to include executives older than 50.

To view the full Wall Street Journal report:
click here.