Steve Ballmer Takes the Helm at Microsoft

In a surprise move, Steve Ballmer has replaced Bill Gates as CEO of Microsoft, in a leadership reshuffle that has brought an end to Gates' 25-year tenure as the company's leader. Ballmer, 42, has been a key figure at Microsoft since 1980, serving as vice president of sales, support, and marketing, and has been company president since 1998. Despite his close ties to Gates, Ballmer is seen as a hardliner who will maintain Microsoft's aggressive business tactics, as evident from his recent comments on the overvaluation of technology stocks.

Key Takeaways:

Steve Ballmer has been appointed CEO of Microsoft, replacing Bill Gates, in a surprise move that has brought an end to Gates' 25-year tenure as the company's leader.
Ballmer has been with Microsoft since 1980, serving as vice president of sales, support, and marketing, and has been company president since 1998.
Ballmer is seen as just as much of a hardliner as Bill Gates, and has led some of the most aggressive defences of the company's position.
Ballmer has been involved in several high-profile controversies, including his recent comments on the overvaluation of technology stocks.
The leadership reshuffle has been seen as an attempt to put a new face on the software giant, but it is unclear if it will bring about any significant changes in strategy.

Statistics:

Ballmer has been with Microsoft for 23 years.
He has been company president since 1998.
The Justice Department's anti-trust suit against Microsoft has highlighted Bill Gates' aggressive business tactics.
Ballmer has led some of the most aggressive defences of the company's position.
The overvaluation of technology stocks has been a concern for Wall Street.

Sources:

"Ballmer takes over from Gates 25 years on", _The Financial Times_, unknown date
Steve Ballmer's comments on the overvaluation of technology stocks, _Reuters_, unknown date
Microsoft's statement on Ballmer's appointment, _Microsoft Press Release_, January 27