After 13 years at the helm of the home of the world’s most popular operating system, Microsoft have announced that Steve Ballmer is set to retire as CEO of the multi-million dollar corporation in the coming months. The announcement, which was made via an official Microsoft press release, comes in the wake of Microsoft’s recent moves to reimagine itself.
Ballmer has overseen Microsoft’s dive into mobile and cloud computing, the multi-device platform that is Windows 8, rapid release and update schedules and the somewhat unsuccessful skirmish into the tablet market (i.e. the Surface brand). In a farewell email Ballmer penned to all employees, he gave an indicator of why there was a need for a new CEO:
“My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our transformation to a devices and services company focused on empowering customers in the activities they value most. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction.”
He also highlighted some of the successes Microsoft achieved while he was the corporation’s number one employee:
“I am proud of what we have achieved. We have grown from $7.5 million to nearly $78 billion since I joined Microsoft, and we have grown from employing just over 30 people to almost 100,000. I feel good about playing a role in that success and having committed 100 percent emotionally all the way. We have more than 1 billion users and earn a great profit for our shareholders. We have delivered more profit and cash return to shareholders than virtually any other company in history.”
The Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process. This committee is chaired by John Thompson, the board’s lead independent director, and includes Chairman of the Board Bill Gates, Chairman of the Audit Committee Chuck Noski and Chairman of the Compensation Committee Steve Luczo. The special committee is working with Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., a leading executive recruiting firm, and will consider both external and internal candidates.
Ballmer’s contribution has been more than telling in an age where the PC has shot from luxury to necessity and one thing for we know for certain is that he is leaving behind some rather large shoes to fill.
Sources : Microsoft News Center, PC World
