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 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.
Posts
Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer to step down within twelve months