Ballmer to Step Down as CEO Within 12 Months - The UpStream

After 13 years as CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer has announced his intention to retire within the next 12 months. In his time at the helm, the company has tripled its revenue and doubled its profits, which certainly is a positive legacy.

The reason for the ambiguity on the timeline is the fact that the transition of power has not been decided. With that said, Ballmer will remain at the top of the pyramid until his successor is chosen and the transition path is planned and executed. This decision is a tough one for a company who has never had to consider the future management of the company, as it has always been in the hands of its founders.

If the transition out of the company was inevitable, this is a good time to get it started. The company has recently had a structural shake-up, and placing someone at the top of the company who has the intention to stay with the company to watch over the transition is a great idea. While the new leadership structure will happen at once, the One Microsoft strategy will take time and a lot dedication from the top, meaning a leader who is up to the challenge.

Ballmer said of the timing,

There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. 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.

As the company is transitioning to a whole new philosophy, I hope that they are capable of choosing a new CEO that will be capable of executing the One Microsoft ideal. Who would you like to see at the top of the company? Let us know in the comments section.