You're wrong about that. When I was at 3M, Jim McNerny left on his own. I'm pretty sure I could find other cases.
There are rumors that Ballmer was forced out. He denies it.
>No CEO of such a large company would ever decide to leave on his own, except the founder.
>Just a matter of pride IMO.
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Microsoft .Net MVP, Grape City Community Influencer