Former Microsoft CEO leaves board

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is leaving the company’s board of directors.

In an open letter to current CEO Satya Nadella, Ballmer resigned from the board effective immediately.

{mosads}“Given my confidence and the multitude of new commitments I am taking on now, I think it would be impractical for me to continue to serve on the board, and it is best for me to move off,” he wrote.

In February, Ballmer stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Nadella.

“In the six months since leaving, I have become very busy,” he said.

“I see a combination of the Clippers, civic contribution, teaching and study taking a lot of time,” he wrote, referencing the Los Angeles-based professional basketball team he recently purchased.

In the letter, Ballmer commended Nadella’s first few months, saying that he is “off to a bold and exciting start.”

“I have confidence in our approach of mobile-first, cloud-first, and in our primary innovation emphasis on platforms and productivity and the building of capability in devices and services as core business drivers,” he said, predicting the company’s future success.

Ballmer said he plans to remain involved as a shareholder and someone familiar with the company.

“Count on me to keep ideas and inputs flowing,” he wrote, adding, “I bleed Microsoft — have for 34 years and I always will.”

In his public response, Nadella thanked Ballmer for his time at the company.

“As you embark on your new journey, I am sure that you will bring the same boldness, passion and impact to your new endeavors that you brought to Microsoft, and we wish you incredible success,” he wrote.

“I also look forward to partnering with you as a shareholder.”