Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will retire in the next 12 months after 13 years of heading the software company behind Windows and Office. Microsoft was co-founded by Bill Gates back in 1976 and Ballmer succeeded him as CEO in 2000. Now amidst the launch of a massive reorganization to reshape Microsoft into a company focused on devices and services, Ballmer has chosen to step down from his executive post.The eccentric CEO has faced his share of critics and his announcement actually saw the company's share prices rise up 7.1 percent.
The biggest criticism under his reign would probably be Windows Vista which was later rectified by Windows 7. He hopes that the company will continue his vision to unify the Windows platform across various form factors and continue his strategy to focus on devices and services.
“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,” Ballmer said. “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.”In view of his upcoming retirement Ballmer also released the following farewell letter to the company staff.
I am writing to let you know that I will retire as CEO of Microsoft within the next 12 months, after a successor is chosen. There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. 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. You can read the press release on Microsoft News Center.\
This is a time of important transformation for Microsoft. Our new Senior Leadership team is amazing. The strategy we have generated is first class. Our new organization, which is centered on functions and engineering areas, is right for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Microsoft is an amazing place. I love this company. I love the way we helped invent and popularize computing and the PC. I love the bigness and boldness of our bets. I love our people and their talent and our willingness to accept and embrace their range of capabilities, including their quirks. I love the way we embrace and work with other companies to change the world and succeed together. I love the breadth and diversity of our customers, from consumer to enterprise, across industries, countries, and people of all backgrounds and age groups.
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.
I am excited by our mission of empowering the world and believe in our future success. I cherish my Microsoft ownership, and look forward to continuing as one of Microsoft’s largest owners.
This is an emotional and difficult thing for me to do. I take this step in the best interests of the company I love; it is the thing outside of my family and closest friends that matters to me most.
Microsoft has all its best days ahead. Know you are part of the best team in the industry and have the right technology assets. We cannot and will not miss a beat in these transitions. I am focused and driving hard and know I can count on all of you to do the same. Let’s do ourselves proud.
Steve
A special committee is said to be appointed to select the company's new CEO, chaired by John Thompson, as the board's lead independent director. The commitee will also include Microsoft co-founder and Chairman Bill Gates, as well as other board members Chuck Noski and Steve Luczo.
With Steven Sinofsky exiting the company earlier this year, Julie Larson-Green would be a likely candidate to replace Ballmer at the lead as she recently grew in ranks to head the Windows division. Windows Phone head Joe Belfiore seems like another possible candidate.
Who do you think should take over as Microsoft's next CEO? Share your thoughts below.