Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer stepping down within a year

Steve Ballmer announced yesterday his departure from Microsoft after 13 years (medium) loyal service. The inventory will exercise very quickly and take the lead story, the future ex-CEO said that for him was his biggest regret.

The Seattle Times scored interviews with Ballmer and Thompson, revealing a couple of tidbits. First, Thompson notes that the CEO will, indeed, have some input on choosing his successor. In fully reflective mode, Ballmer (not shockingly, perhaps) admits that Vista was his biggest disappointment during his tenure. He also added that he plans to stay in Seattle post-retirement, so that tropical island paradise will have to wait. Also, as plenty have noted before us, the Wall Street reaction to news has been been initially fairly positive, so read into that what you will.

The Microsoft Action earns 8% after the announcement

Don Mattrick, Ballmer ... who's next?

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Rumor: Julie Larson-Green To Lead Xbox Development

Microsoft is having some really big change factors lately, and the reorganization we heard rumors of seems to be moving ahead. The implications for Xbox development are profound, as platform responsibilities might now be split across multiple departments.

According to Bloomberg, corporate vice president of Windows Program Management Julie Larson-Green is CEO Steve Ballmer’s current pick to lead Xbox development. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Don Mattrick, who left the company to take over the CEO role at Zynga this week.

The reorganization will put all hardware, including Xbox and Surface tablets, under Larson-Green. Since she began at Microsoft in 1993, Larson-Green has been responsible for early versions of Internet Explorer, the overhaul to Microsoft Office, and interface design for Windows 7 and Windows 8. Larson-Green holds a master’s degree in software engineering and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Further more, rumors also place Skype president Tony Bates at the head of a new division focused on acquisitions, mergers, and relationships with software developers. The latter is a crucial function for game platforms.

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