Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire 'within 12 months'

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Microsoft has announced that long-serving CEO Steve Ballmer has decided to retire within the next 12 months, upon the appointment of a successor.

Microsoft's board of directors has appointed a special committee, including chairman of the board Bill Gates, to direct the succession process.

"There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time," Ballmer said in a statement.

"We have embarked on a new strategy with a new organization and we have an amazing Senior Leadership Team. My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our company's transformation to a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction."

Steve Ballmer became Microsoft's 30th employee when he joined the firm in 1980.

In an internal e-mail sent to Microsoft employees, Ballmer said he felt that the company needed "a CEO who will be here longer term" in order to overlook its "transformation to a devices and services company".

Bill Gates said in a statement: "As a member of the succession planning committee, I'll work closely with the other members of the board to identify a great new CEO. We're fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties."

Posted:
Related Forum: PC General Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/426312/microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-to-retire-within-12-months/

Comments

"Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire 'within 12 months'" :: Login/Create an Account :: 72 comments

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EndurePosted:

Well, by announcing this he did raise his net worth by a billion. Microsoft has definitely been treading very slowly. They screwed up on innovation, they were late to the "party" multiple times.

AstraeusPosted:

Good luck to whoever becomes new CE0. What a job.

MonokumaPosted:

Australians He's been a great inspiration, surely who ever takes over will do a great job.


We can only that the new person will do a good job

gtapro151Posted:

he is a good ceo just not for microsoft the last good windows was xp. 7 was good but 8 and 8.1 are terrible. xbox one started off as a complete fail as well until they turned all the policy's around.....

AustraliansPosted:

Miiles damn he must be rich as ***


I'm still trying to figure out what the *** is or means :?

AustraliansPosted:

He's been a great inspiration, surely who ever takes over will do a great job.

CHPPosted:

i wonder why both him and the other guy decided it would be better to leave.

yo2434Posted:

Bros
-Ben- Truthfully i don't even like the "New direction" that Microsoft is taking!
Windows 8 was terrible in my opinion and if anything like it im gonna be disappointed!
For this article though i didnt even know who Steve was until i looked him up!


You're right about windows 8 when that came out it looked terrible


I haven't tried the consumer product but tried the beta version and I liked it, just I'm not going to spent money on getting a new OS.

AlbericiPosted:

Boar
-Maury-
MoDOT
-CP Bye bye Mr. Ballmer, we'll miss you :(


you didnt even know who he was like me until you seen this post so will you really miss someone you dont know? I wont.
-
OT: well how lucky 30TH employ, been there since 1980 wow.



How do you know he didn't know who he was?


Exactly, I knew who he was before this article.


boars ugly
because I know everything.

CokesPosted:

Miiles damn he must be rich as ***


Well he worked hard for it.