Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer to Retire

Microsoft announced Friday (8/23/13) that their CEO, Steve Ballmer, will be retiring within the next 12 months. Ballmer stated that he will stay until a successor is decided upon.

Ballmer is the CEO who replaced Bill Gates when he retired back in 2000. “There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,” Ballmer told the press. “We have embarked on a new strategy with a new organization and we have an amazing senior leadership team…We need a CEO who will be here for longer term for this new direction.”
With the success of Ballmer, Microsoft has made some outstanding products such as the launch of Windows 7 and Windows 8 Tablets. Let’s also not forget about Windows Phone which is current struggling to complete against iOS and Android.

Ballmer joined Microsoft way back in 1980 and worked his way up to CEO when Gates left. He did a wonderful job of becoming a public face for Microsoft but with Gates and now Ballmer out of the picture, Microsoft lacks a spokesperson.

This news has been stirring around for about a month now. However, he has made sure to leave Microsoft in a working and successful state, preforming a structural overhaul which he is calling “One Microsoft.”

“Going forward, our strategy will focus on creating a family of devices and services for individuals and businesses that empower people around the globe at home, at work and on the go for the activities they value most.”