Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Steve Ballmer Cries At Microsoft Goodbye - Sky News

Video of Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer's tearful farewell speech has emerged, showing the 57-year-old striding off to a song from Dirty Dancing.

Mr Ballmer, who recently announced he was stepping down within 12 months, paced around the stage, his voice quivering as he told an arena of employees: "You work for the greatest company in the world - soak it in!"

"Microsoft's like a fourth child to me," said Mr Ballmer - after a pause to compose himself.

"Children do leave the house. In this case, I guess I'm leaving the house."

Mr Ballmer has been chief executive since co-founder Bill Gates gave up the position in 2000, and the company is now busy looking for someone to replace him.

Known for his flamboyant speeches and sporting a bright yellow shirt, the Microsoft boss thanked thousands of employees who had packed into Seattle's Key Arena - normally a venue for sports events and rock concerts.

"My last song is one I've always wanted to use, but it was always deemed inappropriate - it's a great song!" said a teary-eyed Mr Ballmer.

Steve Ballmer goodbye
Thousands of employees packed a Seattle arena for the send-off

"It's from one of my favourite movies, one of my favourite songs ... a song that talks about what you have meant to me and what you have done for me.

"You have made this the time of my life."

With the famous Dirty Dancing tune booming out, Mr Ballmer hugged and high-fived employees and raised his arms aloft, shouting "thank you!" before bouncing out of the arena at the song's climax.

The executive - who has an estimated $18bn (£11bn) fortune according to Forbes - oversaw massively successful products such as Windows XP during his time in charge.

However, in recent years Microsoft has been left behind by the likes of Apple in terms of innovation.

It is now playing catch-up in the tablet and mobile markets, with its Surface device struggling to gain popularity and its Windows 8 operating system also being criticised.

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