This morning it was announced that Steve Ballmer would be stepping down as CEO of Microsoft within the next 12 month period – MSFT was sent soaring up 7% in trading immediately following this news blast. While the stock still sits closer to 35 than it does to its recent high back in June (and […]
This morning Microsoft has made an announcement suggesting CEO Steve Ballmer will be stepping down within the next 12 months. Saying that there’s “never a perfect time for this type of transition”, Ballmer made clear that this was his intention all along, and that the company needs “a CEO who will be here longer term […]
When most people think of Steve Ballmer, they probably think of Microsoft second, with the first image being a high-energetic employee who always gave his all during his speeches. Today, Microsoft has announced the legendary Steve Ballmer will be retiring from his CEO position within the year. (more…)
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Retiring Within A Year original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Microsoft announced today that Steve Ballmer would be retiring within the next 12 months, after decades of service to the company—including the last several as CEO. Ballmer did a lot to and for Microsoft, but the man’s greatest legacy might just be this Photoshop contest we originally ran back in 2009.
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One thing’s for sure: we’ll certainly miss keynote dances and chants of, “Developers! Developers! Developers!” when Steve Ballmer steps down from his job as the head of Microsoft some time within the next 12 months — no matter who the John Thompson-chaired succession committee picks to fill his shoes. There aren’t a ton of details regarding the decision at the moment — though a press release issued by the company (which you can find in all of PR speak glory below) is certainly positioning the move as voluntary on Ballmer’s part, stating that the exec, “has decided to retire.”
No direct replacement has been lined up, and as such, he’ll remain on-board as CEO until the committee finds the right person. Along with Thompson, Bill Gates, Chuck Noski and Steve Luczo will also take part in the search. Gates had some nice things to say about his successor and old pal, “We’re fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties.” For his part, Ballmer continues to sound bullish when it comes to the company’s future, “there is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. 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.”
Update: Well, ask and ye shall receive. Just like that, Microsoft has revealed Ballmer’s “internal email” to the staff. We’ve included that below, just under the aforementioned press release. The opening of the letter is comprised of the same quote Microsoft issued in this morning’s release, as well as, interestingly, a link to press release itself. Ballmer goes on to praise current senior leadership and adds that the company has managed to balloon from “$7.5 million to nearly $78 billion,” since the 30 staff member days when he first joined up. The note doesn’t shed much more additional light on any future plans, though the executive does add that he will “[continue] as one of Microsoft’s largest owners.” The exit, he explains is “emotional” and “difficult.” No doubt there will be much dancing and shouting in the months to come.
Update 2: The Seattle Times scored interviews with Ballmer and Thompson, revealing a couple of tidbits. First, Thompson notes that the CEO will, indeed, have some input on choosing his successor. In fully reflective mode, Ballmer (not shockingly, perhaps) admits that Vista was his biggest disappointment during his tenure. He also added that he plans to stay in Seattle post-retirement, so that tropical island paradise will have to wait. Also, as plenty have noted before us, the Wall Street reaction to news has been been initially fairly positive, so read into that what you will.
Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Displays, Gaming, Laptops, Peripherals, Tablets, Software, HD, Mobile, Microsoft
Microsoft just announced that its CEO, Steve Ballmer, will retire within the next 12 months. He’ll remain in his current position until Microsoft finds his replacement.
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Microsoft could pull together its Windows and Windows Phone divisions into a single, unified team as part of the upcoming “major” reorganization, it’s suggested, better emphasizing the connections between the company’s PC and smartphone offerings. Chatter of a significant juggling in Microsoft’s various divisions began earlier this month, with CEO Steve Ballmer said to be
Microsoft chairman and former CEO, Bill Gates in his interview with CBS This Morning has been critical of the company’s mobile phone strategy calling it a clear mistake. Bill Gates was also asked if he was happy with the performance of Steve Ballmer, who he supported and said “Well, he and I are two of the most self-critical people — you can imagine. And here were a lot of amazing things that Steve’s leadership got done with the company in the last year. Windows 8 is key to the future, the Surface computer. Bing, people are seeing as a better search product, Xbox. But is — is it enough?” he said. “No, he and I are not satisfied that in terms of, you know, breakthrough things, that we’re doing everything possible.” (more…)
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: HTC One Hands-On, HTC One Wrap Up,
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