Saturday, August 24, 2013



Microsoft Corp. has announced in a press release that its under-fire boss Steve Ballmer is to retire in the next twelve months after a replacement is found for him.

Steve Ballmer has been under extreme pressure in recent years as the PC market which was the main source of the company’s was losing out to the mobile devices.
Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Image: Engadget
Microsoft however, has been unable to compete successfully against Google Inc. and Apple Inc. in the mobile market. Despite the launch of its Windows 8 which was geared towards touch screen devices and Windows Phone 8, it has not been able to get into the heart of consumers.
There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,” Ballmer said in a statement.
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.” he said.
This has sparked comments that Mr. Ballmer is being forced out to bring in a new man who hopefully will change the fortunes of the Redmond, Washington Company for good.
Microsoft will be looking for a new CEO in the next twelve months to replace the incumbent CEO. The committee to choose the CEO will be headed by John Thompson. The committee will also include the Chairman of the board Bill Gates, Chairman of the Audit Committee Chuck Noski and Chairman of the Compensation Committee Steve Luczo.
Some of those being touted for this new position are: Tami Reller, Microsoft’s executive Vice President of marketing; Tony Bates, Microsoft’s executive Vice President who runs business development; Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer; Vic Gundotra, Google’s Senior Vice President for engineering; Kevin Johnson, former Juniper Networks CEO who came from Microsoft; and former IBM CEO Lou Gerstner.
The announcement of Ballmer’s retirement has seen Microsoft’s shares rise by 7.3% ($2.36) to $34.75, its highest in four years. This has indicated that Ballmer is no more wanted even by potential investors.

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