A “hectic” schedule was the primary reason given by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, as he announced yesterday he is stepping down from the Redmond company’s board of directors.
“In the six months since leaving, I have become very busy. I see a combination of the (Los Angeles) Clippers, civic contribution, teaching and study taking a lot of time,” said Ballmer in a memo addressed to his replacement as Microsoft’s chief executive, Satya Nadella. Ballmer had recently taken over as the NBA’s Clippers’ owner, replacing the controversial Donald Sterling and addressing Clippers fans in his typically colorful manner.
Despite his commitments to the Clippers and other endeavors, Ballmer added that he is willing to remain as Microsoft’s top shareholder, saying that he “bleed(s) Microsoft” after 34 years with the company. “Count on me to keep ideas and inputs flowing. The company will move to higher heights,” Ballmer added in his memo. “I will be proud, and I will benefit through my share ownership. I promise to support and encourage boldness by management in my role as a shareholder in any way I can.”
Ballmer’s exit as Microsoft CEO came on the heels of a rough patch wherein products such as the Windows 8 and Windows Phone operating platforms and the Surface tablets all failed to live up to market expectations. His replacement, Nadella, has proven to be Ballmer’s antithesis, exuding a more serious mien than his predecessor, but many believe Nadella has a lot to fix up in Redmond. Aside from pushing the Surface Pro 3 “crossover” tablet/laptop hybrid, Nadella is also dealing with other challenges, such as a widespread round of layoffs.