My Heritage
Mr. Steven Ballmer (Biography)
My name is Steven Anthony Ballmer, an American business executive and former chief executive officer of Microsoft. I joined Microsoft on June 11, 1980, as its 30th employee and the first business manager hired by Bill Gates. I began with a salary of $50,000 and a profit-sharing agreement, which was later converted into equity when the company incorporated in 1981, giving me an 8% ownership stake. Over time, I reduced my holdings but remained one of the company’s largest individual shareholders.
Under my leadership, Microsoft experienced significant financial growth, with annual revenue rising from $25 billion to $70 billion and strong increases in profitability. I oversaw the expansion of enterprise services and infrastructure, as well as the growth of new business segments including data centers and the Xbox division. I also led major strategic initiatives such as the acquisition of Skype and the development of hardware products like the Microsoft Surface. In 2013, I finalized the acquisition of Nokia’s mobile phone division.
While my tenure saw strong revenue growth and diversification, I also faced criticism for Microsoft’s slower response to emerging consumer technologies such as smartphones and tablets. Despite these challenges, I maintained the strength of core businesses like Windows and Office while expanding into cloud and enterprise solutions. In August 2013, I announced my retirement as CEO, and in February 2014, I was succeeded by Satya Nadella. My time at Microsoft spanned over three decades, during which I played a central role in shaping the company’s business operations and global expansion.
I donated 10% of my wealth to charity to support war victims in Europe and the Middle East last year, and also pledged to give away another 15% this year, to a few Individuals worldwide who will be selected randomly. Little about my family, I have two college age sons. Kenny, who graduated from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 2015, is studying for his Master of Real Estate at the University of Reading in the U.K., and Nick, who is a senior at Florida State University, is double majoring in finance and hospitality management.