Steve Ballmer served as CEO of Microsoft for a verified duration of 14 years 0 months (5,136 days), from Jan 13, 2000 until Feb 4, 2014. During this tenure, Steve Ballmer guided Microsoft across major corporate milestones before retiring from the chief executive role.
Executive Succession & Corporate Facts
- Predecessor
- Bill Gates (Co-Founder & CEO)
- Successor
- Satya Nadella (Chairman & CEO)
- Database Tenure Rank
- #29 Longest-Serving CEO in Database (View Full Rankings →)
- Company Founded
- Apr 4, 1975 (Redmond, Washington)
- Known Aliases
- Steven Anthony Ballmer
Tenure Milestones & Transition Timeline
Steve Ballmer Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft
Microsoft President Steve Ballmer was named CEO, assuming responsibility for day-to-day operations and resolving federal antitrust litigation.
Microsoft Enters Gaming Hardware Market with Xbox Launch
Under Ballmer, Microsoft launched the original Xbox video game console, establishing a multi-billion dollar gaming business.
Microsoft Agrees to Acquire Skype for $8.5 Billion
Ballmer orchestrated the purchase of internet communications pioneer Skype to strengthen real-time audio and video across Xbox, Windows, and Lync.
Steve Ballmer Announces Intention to Retire Within 12 Months
Ballmer announced plans to retire within 12 months as Microsoft's Board formed a special committee to conduct a CEO search.
Microsoft Agrees to Acquire Nokia's Mobile Phone Business for $7.2 Billion
In one of his final major executive decisions, Ballmer negotiated the acquisition of Nokia's handset devices and services division.
Steve Ballmer Steps Down as Microsoft CEO Upon Appointment of Satya Nadella
Ballmer officially concluded his 14-year CEO tenure on February 4, 2014, having tripled company revenues from $25B to $78B.
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