Microsoft’s announcement on Friday about the retirement of its CEO Steve Ballmer within the year or until a new CEO has been appointed came as a great shock. The company is now preparing its next steps before they fully let go of Ballmer.
Ballmer stated in Microsoft’s press release that there is never a suited time for this kind of change but now’s the perfect time. He added that Microsoft has embarked on a new plan with a fresh organization and an incredible Senior Leadership Team.
He also said that his original plans on timing would have taken place in the middle of Microsoft’s makeover to devices and services company. In time for the transition, Microsoft will require a CEO who will be present in the longer term for this new phase.
The departure of Steven Sinofsky served as the indicator of a major restructuring to focus more on hardware. At the moment, Mr. Ballmer claimed that it was crucial to go on with driving alignment across Microsoft teams, and have rapid and more incorporated development cycles for our offerings.
Microsoft, not unlike before when it was still divided into multiple departments like Entertainment, Online, Office, Windows and etc, is now divided into functions to serve a single purpose – Apps and Services, Devices, Operating Systems and more.
Rumors about a potential CEO for Microsoft have already been lingering even before Steve Ballmer’s retirement. Steven Sinofsky was one of the most influential execs at Microsoft and many thought of him as the successor of Ballmer. Another candidate is Julie Larson-Green.
Steve Ballmer has become CEO of Microsoft after Bill Gates, a co-founder, retired in January 2000. Ever since, Microsoft has been very successful with their products like Xbox 360 and Windows XP. However, Windows Visa, Surface RT, the Zune and the Kin are its controversial products. Mr. Ballmer is also known for his Rally Cry.
Microsoft’s stocks have been consistently flat over the past decade, whereas other companies like Apple and Google have increased market shares.
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