Former Microsoft Exec Believes Ballmer Shouldn’t Be In Charge

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is the wrong man to be leading the super successful software company, according to former senior VP of Windows sales Joachim Kempin.

Speaking to Reuters, Kempin explained why Ballmer is not fit to lead Microsoft, saying flat out that he doesn't believe the man in charge is a very good leader. "Is he a great CEO? I don't think so. Microsoft's board is a lame duck board, has been forever," he said. "They hire people to help them administer the company, but not to lead the company. That's the problem."

The former Microsoft exec went on to detail the type of individual that he believes the company needs in the driver's seat. "They need somebody maybe 35-40 years old, a younger person who understands the Facebook Inc generation and this mobile community. They don't need this guy on stage with this fierce, aggressive look, announcing the next version of Windows and thinking he can score with that," Kempin added.

He also goes on to suggest that Ballmer pushed away any potential leaders, specifically referencing the man credited for releasing the Xbox, Richard Belluzzo, who left the company because of Ballmer's management style. According to Kempin, Belluzzo "had no room to breathe on the top. When you work that directly with Ballmer and Ballmer believes 'maybe this guy could someday take over from me', my God, you will have less air to breathe, that's what it comes down to."

What do you think? Is it time for Ballmer to step down? Would the company benefit from having a new CEO that brings a younger perspective? Let us know in the comments below.