Microsoft in search for new CEO

(Photo: Copitrade.ba)

Microsoft announced Friday that its Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer would retire within 12 months, adding that the company was searching for his successor.

- There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time - AFP cited Ballmer as saying in a statement.

- My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our company's transformation to a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction - he added.

Ballmer (57) took over as CEO in 2000 when co-founder Bill Gates stepped down from day-to-day operations at the company. At the time, Microsoft was the undisputed tech sector leader, and the world's largest company in market value.

But, in recent years, Microsoft has struggled as consumers began to transition from desktop and laptop PCs to mobile devices. While its Windows software is used on the vast majority of personal computers, Microsoft has had little impact in the fast-growing segments of tablets and smartphones.

Ballmer will continue as CEO "and will lead Microsoft through the next steps of its transformation, said people at Microsoft, whose Board of Executives has appointed a special committee to pick Balmer's successor among both external and internal candidates

- As a member of the succession planning committee, I'll work closely with the other members of the board to identify a great new CEO - said Gates.

- We're fortunate to have Steve in his role until the new CEO assumes these duties - Gates concluded.