Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will retire his position within the next 12 months, Microsoft has announced.
Ballmer will continue to hold his position and lead Microsoft until a successor is chosen.
“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,” Ballmer said. “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 Board of Directors, led by independent director John Thompson and including chairmen Bill Gates, Chuck Noski, and Steve Luczo, has appointed a special committee to direct the process, and “are focused on selecting a new CEO to work with the company’s senior leadership team to chart the company’s course and execute on it in a highly competitive industry,” Thompson said.