Steve Ballmer, who remained on the Microsoft board after handing over the reins as the company’s CEO, says he isn’t sure how long he’ll remain a director at the company, with the decision depending largely on what he decides to do next with his life.
The former Microsoft CEO made the comments in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, as reported by the newspaper in a post over the weekend.
The statement is notable in part because Ballmer is Microsoft’s second-largest shareholder, and in fact he is on track to become the largest shareholder this year if Bill Gates continues selling shares at his current pace.
Ballmer is part of the Seattle investment group that tried, unsuccessfully, to acquire the Sacramento Kings and bring the basketball team to a new NBA arena in Seattle. The group has vowed to continue its efforts to attract a franchise, and the long-term outcome of that initiative promises to factor significantly into Ballmer’s future plans.
Ballmer’s decision to remain on the Microsoft board after leaving as top executive reportedly caused some discomfort among potential CEO candidates before the company named Microsoft insider Satya Nadella as its new CEO. Gates, the company’s original CEO, stepped down as board chairman as part of the transition, but took on a larger role working with Nadella and the company’s product teams as an adviser.
In the WSJ interview, Ballmer said it was “different” to be in the board room as a director, and not CEO, when the board met earlier this month. He said he didn’t talk like he did when he was the chief executive.
He added, “Satya is doing a great job.”
