Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, one of the world’s hardest-charging executives, was moved to tears Thursday as he led what is likely his last annual meeting with employees.
Ballmer, choking up near the close of the roughly seven-hour meeting, told more than 10,000 attendees about his love of Microsoft and pledged the company will keep innovating and “change the world,” according to people familiar with the meeting. He also alluded to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison skipping a planned speech this week to catch his America’s Cup sailing team.
The CEO, wearing a blazing yellow shirt, exited the stage to the song “(I’ve Had) The Time Of my Life.”