Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced his decision to retire from Microsoft within next 12 months. He will stay with the company until Microsoft gets new CEO. Ballmer has given no specific reason behind this sudden decision. Microsoft has also released a press note regarding this.
Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process and search the new CEO within next 12 months. This committee is chaired by John Thompson. Other key members of committee are Bill Gates, Chuck Noski and Steve Luczo.
“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.”
“I’ll work closely with the other members of the board to identify a great new CEO,” said Gates. “We’re fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties.”
Ballmer met gates in 1973 at Harvard University. Later, he joined Microsoft as 30th employee of the company in 1980. He became Microsoft CEO in January 2000. Under him, Microsoft has developed various successful products including Windows XP, Xbox 360 and Windows 7.
According to Forbes, Steve Ballmer has net worth of $15.2 billion that makes hin 22nd richest man in United States and 51st in world.
