REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 23, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer has decided to retire as CEO within the next 12 months, upon the completion of a process to choose his successor. In the meantime, Ballmer will continue as CEO and will lead Microsoft through the next steps of its transformation to a devices and services company that empowers people for the activities they value most. 

“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 has appointed a special committee to direct the process. This committee is chaired by John Thompson, the board’s lead independent director, and includes Chairman of the Board Bill Gates, Chairman of the Audit Committee Chuck Noski and Chairman of the Compensation Committee Steve Luczo. The special committee is working with Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., a leading executive recruiting firm, and will consider both external and internal candidates.

“The board is committed to the effective transformation of Microsoft to a successful devices and services company,” Thompson said. “As this work continues, we 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.” 

“As a member of the succession planning committee, I’ll work closely with the other members of the board to identify a great new CEO,” said Gates. “We’re fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties.” 

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/aug13/08-23AnnouncementPR.aspx

RETIREMENT! RETIREMENT! RETIREMENT! RETIREMENT!

Dammit. You beat me to it. Pretty happy with this news. The guy has no vision. Mocking iphone/ipads and dancing like a sweaty idiot on stage. 

This is huge

the xbox 180 just keeps getting better and better.

Yeah, this guy has been a terrible CEO for MS. He has been wrong about so many changes in technology like the popularity of devices like the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and the vision to produce things like XB1 policies, Windows Vista... need I go on. MS really needs someone who is far less arrogant and actually has vision, not just trend follower who criticizes the products that consumers love and then turns around and makes bastard copies of like Zune/Surface/Windows latest set of phones.

Pfffff xDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Yet revenue and profits have been up every year under his tenure... You guys are all talking like tech fanboys and may have a point when it comes to consumer products but if you look at the bottom line and what matters, Microsoft is a insanely diverse, extremely profitable well oiled machine under Ballmer. 

Apparently Ben Affleck is going to take over when Ballmer leaves.

this.. and its not like its easy to succeed in this industry and hire some guy who magicly will turn everything into gold.. look at the other companies like a Sony, LG, Nokia etc who are stuggeling with their products.. even Apple hasn't really found a new Steve Jobs.. otherwise other companies would have hired such a magician and they would all make billions in profit..