This did seem very abrupt.

>There was no successor in place for Jim McNerny when he left 3M.
>
>Many times when a CEO retires, it is announced ahead of time and a search is made for a successor.
>
>>They always deny being forced out; believing the opposite is a little naive IMO.
>>
>>If Ballmer was resigning on his own will, his successor would be known and he would have chosen a calmer moment (trials, write-offs on RT, win8 sales, etc.)
>>
>>
>>>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.