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.
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Steve Ballmer (2007)
 Microsoft gab in einer Pressemitteilung bekannt, dass Steve Ballmer binnen eines Jahres von seinem Posten als Vorstandsvorsitzender (CEO) zurücktritt. Als Grund gab er die Umorientierung von Microsoft von einer Softwarefirma zu einer Geräte- und Dienstefirma an. Microsoft hatte Probleme mit dem Aufstieg von Tablet-PCs bei den Verbrauchern, und auch seine Allianz mit Nokia brachte nicht den erhofften Durchbruch im Smartphonegeschäft im Kampf gegen Apple. Vor kurzem hatte die Investmentgesellschaft ValueAct Capital Management einen kleinen Anteil der Aktien von Microsoft übernommen und begonnen, für eine neue und langfristige Strategie zu werben. Der jetzt angekündigte Abschied Ballmers kam jedoch überraschend. Der Aktienmarkt reagierte positiv auf die Meldung. Ein Sondergremium, zu dem auch Bill Gates gehören wird, wird nach einem Nachfolger für Ballmer – auch außerhalb des Unternehmens – suchen. Steve Ballmer arbeitet seit 33 Jahren für Microsoft und hatte im Jahr 2000 die Leitung des Konzerns von Bill Gates übernommen.