Microsoft issued a press release today announcing that current CEO and long-time Microsoft employee Steve Ballmer will be retiring within the next twelve months, after more than three decades with the company.
Ballmer, who many analysts blame for Microsoft’s relative inertia over the last several years, stated that his retirement was timed in such a way that the incoming CEO could be instrumental in Microsoft’s new direction as a devices and services company.
“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.”
Ballmer’s replacement will be selected by a special committee hand-picked by Microsoft’s Board of Directors, a committee which includes Board Chairman Bill Gates. Given Microsoft’s latest restructuring, candidates will likely have a background in interface design and electronic services.
