Steve Ballmer to Step Down as Microsoft CEO
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced that he will retire within the next year, contingent upon selection of his successor. In the meantime, Ballmer will continue leading Microsoft’s effort to become a device and services company. Ballmer has been with Microsoft since 1980, when Bill Gates hired him as the company’s first business manager. Ballmer took the reins in 2000 when Gates retired and has overseen numerous major products (of varying success), including multiple versions of Windows and Office, Xbox, Zune, Windows Phone, and Surface. Despite many criticisms of his leadership, he doubled Microsoft’s profits during his tenure as CEO.
Profits, maybe, but according to an LA Times report, "But for all his showmanship, Ballmer wasn't much of a hit on Wall Street, where Microsoft's shares have fallen about 43% during his 13-year reign at the top."
http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-microsoft-stock-performance-under-ballmer-20130823,0,5335395.story
Yes, but to be fair, as we've seen with Apple, stock price doesn't always accurately reflect the value of a company.
It's an interesting question - how do you judge the efficacy of a CEO? I'd argue that stock price is not a great unit of measure, since it can be driven by so many other irrational variables. Profit seems decent, as might fancier metrics like profit per employee or employee retention rate.