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End of an era: Steve Ballmer steps down from the Microsoft board

Published Aug 19th, 2014 2:35PM EDT
BGR

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Good news for new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: You won’t have to deal with former CEO Steve Ballmer watching your every move. Microsoft on Tuesday announced that the frequently combustible Ballmer would be stepping down from his post as one of Microsoft’s board of directors.

FROM EARLIER: Ballmer’s speech to Clippers fans is just as hilariously insane as you hoped

In a letter written to Nadella, Ballmer said that given all the commitments that he’s about to take on — including his new ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball franchise, civic engagements and even teaching opportunities — he felt it would be best to resign as a board member at Microsoft. He also expressed confidence in Nadella’s “mobile first, cloud first” strategy and said he thought it was the right direction to take the company in the future.

“I bleed Microsoft — have for 34 years and I always will,” Ballmer wrote. “I continue to love discussing the company’s future. I love trying new products and sending feedback. I love reading about what is going on at the company. Count on me to keep ideas and inputs flowing. The company will move to higher heights. I will be proud, and I will benefit through my share ownership.”

Earlier this week Ballmer introduced himself to Clippers fans at a pep rally for the team and repeatedly vowed that the Clippers under his watch would be “hardcore” and said that “If something knocks us down we’re gonna get back up and we’re gonna keep coming and coming and coming and coming and coming!”

Read Ballmer’s full letter by clicking the source link below.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.