Steve Ballmer leaves Microsoft

Steve Ballmer says goodbye to Microsoft: the news is official and is going around the world.
The news arrived a few minutes ago, after the communication from the leaders of Microsoft who explained that meetings are already underway to find the new company CEO.
In fact, a special committee has been formed – which Bill Gates will also participate in – to evaluate internal and external candidate profiles.
Ballmer will stop working for Microsoft within the next 12 months, a still long period of time that will allow for company reorganization and the continuation of ongoing projects.
Within Microsoft for more than thirty years, Ballmer has therefore decided to retire and the choice of this period was not accidental. His first statement on the matter, in fact, clarifies the situation: “There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. We have launched a new strategy with a new organization and we have an extraordinary team of leaders. My initial thought on timing was to retire in the middle of our company’s transformation into a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction“.
Furthermore, the email that Ballmer sent to Microsoft employees has also leaked, where it reads: “This is an emotional and difficult thing for me to do. I am taking this step in the interest of the company I love. Microsoft has a bright future ahead of it. I know you are part of the best team in the industry and you have the right technological resources. We cannot and will not miss a beat in this transition“.

Speculation is circulating about a departure that is, in a way, imposed not so much by someone, but by circumstances: for example, the limited interest shown by users in Surface is being pointed out.
The news is causing a great stir in the media anyway, as it was quite unexpected.
Even faster was the reaction of the markets to the news of Ballmer’s exit from Microsoft: the stock experienced a clear positive jump on the stock market, with a +8.7% increase just minutes after the announcement.