Steve Ballmer To Retire As Microsoft CEO Within 12 Months

Microsoft
CEO, Steve Ballmer, presents his pre-show keynote at the 2010
International CES in Las Vegas Wednesday evening. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the past 13 years, Steve Ballmer has ruled Microsoft
as its CEO. He oversaw the rollout of four Windows operating systems
including the most recent Windows 8. Most of us thought he’d be around
for the release of Windows 9, or whatever else is next, but it looks like the CEO that wouldn’t quit is finally doing just that.

Ballmer announced today that he will be retiring within the next 12 months. He doesn’t give an exact date as his retirement
is entirely dependent upon the company finding his successor. Oh, and
before you ask, there’s no word yet either on who might be replacing
him.

So, why is Ballmer choosing now to retire? After all, he just announced a massive restructuring plan
that will see Microsoft transition into a devices and services
company. Surely he would want to be around for that, right? Well, according to an internal email to all Microsoft employees, Ballmer says that was the original plan:

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.

Ballmer’s logic is surprisingly
sound. The transition to a devices and services company will take a
long time, and he isn’t getting any younger. Microsoft is going to need
a younger executive team that can stick it out for the long haul.

In
regards to that executive team, Ballmer is optimistic that the current
team in place will help move Microsoft into its next phase of growth:

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.

As stated above, Microsoft is just starting to look for Ballmer’s replacement. The company’s Board of Directors has put together a committee comprised of Bill Gates, John Thompson and others who will consider potential candidates from inside and outside of the company.

“As
a member of the succession planning committee, 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.”

Until Microsoft announces a successor, let the speculation begin. I would bet on Steven Sinofsky if he was still with the company, but that’s unlikely to happen now.

[Image: Wikimedia Commons]