Steve Ballmer says he couldn't change Microsoft fast enough

[wraggster]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/11/steve-ballmer-nokia-event-stream.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/15/steve-ballmer-explains-retirement-decision/)Steve Ballmer's announcement that he would retire from Microsoft (http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/23/steve-ballmer-retirement/) came as something of a surprise, and left many wondering whether his eventual exit is voluntary. Thanks to an interview (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303460004579194150724298162) with the outgoing CEO at the Wall Street Journal, we now know that it is -- although it's coming after intense pressure. Ballmer explains that the company board of directors has been pushing him to speed up Microsoft's transformation into a devices and services company (http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/07/ballmer-last-letter-to-shareholders/) ever since January. By May, he decided that his own way of thinking was slowing down the transition; he was the "pattern" that had to break. New leadership might reshape the company at a faster pace, Ballmer says. While the success of his strategy will depend heavily on just who takes the reins (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/05/stephen-elop-ford-alan-mulally-microsoft-ceo-shortlist/) next year, it's clear that the chief executive is willing to sacrifice a lot to keep Microsoft healthy... including himself.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/15/steve-ballmer-explains-retirement-decision/