Infamously bullish Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announces he is to retire within 12 months-- leaving the once technology leader with no clear successor, at least so far.
“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,” Ballmer says. “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.”
The news comes around 6 weeks after the "far-reaching realignment" of the company's management, part of an effort to create a "One Microsoft" out of a conglomerate with a payroll of over 90000 employees...
Microsoft already has a special committee directing the hunt for a replacement, with the likes of Bill Gates and independent board director John W. Thompson joining forces with executive recruiting firm Struggles International.
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