Redmond, Washington - Microsoft Corp. has announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer has decided to retire as CEO within the next 12 months, upon the completion of a process to choose his successor. In the meantime, Ballmer will continue as CEO and will lead Microsoft through the next steps of its transformation to a devices and services company. The Wall Street Journal reported that investors have welcomed this news, pushing Microsoft shares up 7%, or … [Read more...] about Microsoft CEO to retire within 12 months