Steve Ballmer, who after 14 years stepped down as Microsoft (MSFT)’s President and CEO in February in favor of current CEO Satya Nadella, has now also stepped down as a member of the company’s board of directors.
The former CEO’s departure ends a 34-year association with the software giant, which he led between 2000 and February 2014. Since resigning from his role as CEO, the frequently turbocharged Ballmer has kept a low profile. In fact, his biggest news was the $2 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball franchise.
In a letter written to Nadella, Ballmer said that given all the commitments that he is about to take on, including his new ownership of the Clippers, he felt it would be best to resign as a board member at Microsoft.
“Given my confidence and the multitude of new commitments I am taking on now, I think it would be impractical for me to continue to serve on the board, and it is best for me to move off. The fall will be hectic between teaching a new class and the start of the NBA season so my departure from the board is effective immediately,” he wrote.
“I bleed Microsoft — have for 34 years and I always will,” Ballmer said in his note.
In his published response, Nadella said that he understood and supported Ballmer’s decision, adding that “your insights and leadership will be greatly missed as part of the board.”
Read Ballmer’s resignation letter here.
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