Clippers owner Steve Ballmer steps down from Microsoft board

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has stepped down from the company’s board of directors in order to focus on his new role as owner of the LA Clippers basketball team.

Ballmer made the announcement in a public letter to new CEO Satya Nadella. While he plans to remain Microsoft’s biggest individual shareholder, he has decided it’s “impractical” to remain on the board given how busy he has become. Ballmer is splitting his time between the Clippers, “civic contribution,” teaching and study.

Nadella responded with a note of gratitude for Ballmer’s time with Microsoft: “While your insights and leadership will be greatly missed as part of the board, I understand and support your decision.”

➤ Steve Ballmer steps down as board member at Microsoft

Thumbnail image credit: Frederic J. Brown / Getty Images