Steve Ballmer may have been replaced by Satya Nadella in February, but the former Microsoft boss has only now stepped down from the board of directors. This not unexpected as he had originally stated in August 2014 that he would be retiring from the company within 12 months. The announcement was made in a public letter on Microsoft’s website as he cited his outside engagements making him “too busy” to attend to his duties on the board.Ballmer was recently unveiled as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, in a ceremony that resembled the energetic stage appearances he used to make at Microsoft. Fans welcomed the new owner, who promised new technology to keep them engaged with their favourite team. Teaching duties at the USC School of Business were also cited as part of his reason for stepping down from the board of directors.
The former CEO still holds more shares in the company than anyone else, and expects “to continue holding that position for the foreseeable future”. A statement that looks like it is there to provide some confidence to the shareholders who wanted him gone in the first place.
Analysts are welcoming the news as they believe this will provide the Microsoft board the fresh slate it needs to build on the gains that the company has made since Nadella took over the reins.
[Souce: LA Times]
