Steve Ballmer leaves Microsoft after 34 years

Microsoft’s ex-CEO Steve Ballmer has announced he is stepping down from the board with immediate effect.

In a public letter, Steve Ballmer said he had become “very busy” since he quit the top job and that it would be “impractical to continue”.

Steve Ballmer’s decision to leave follows his recent purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team.

Steve Ballmer has announced he is stepping down from Microsoft board with immediate effect (photo AP)

“I see a combination of the Clippers, civic contribution, teaching and study taking a lot of my time,” he wrote.

Steve Ballmer said his departure would be immediate due to a “hectic” autumn including both the start of the NBA basketball season and his teaching of a new class.

He left the chief executive role in February after more than 14 years at the helm, and has been involved in the company for more than three decades.

Steve Ballmer still holds more Microsoft shares than any other individual, and on Tuesday he pledged to hold onto them for the “foreseeable future”.

“I bleed Microsoft – have for 34 years and I always will,” Steve Ballmer wrote.