Microsoft today (23 August 2013) announced that its chief, Steve Ballmer has decided to retire within the next 12 months, upon the completion of a process to choose his successor.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time,\u201d Ballmer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have embarked on a new strategy with a new organization and we have an amazing senior leadership team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our company\u2019s transformation to a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Microsoft Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process.<\/p>\n
This committee is chaired by John Thompson, the board\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe board is committed to the effective transformation of Microsoft to a successful devices and services company,\u201d Thompson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs this work continues, we are focused on selecting a new CEO to work with the company\u2019s senior leadership team to chart the company\u2019s course and execute on it in a highly competitive industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a member of the succession planning committee, I\u2019ll work closely with the other members of the board to identify a great new CEO,\u201d said Gates. \u201cWe\u2019re fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties.<\/p>\n
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