Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and climbed the corporate ladder to become CEO in 2000, holding 333 million shares, or 4% of the company's stock, by the time he resigned in 2014. The recent surge in his wealth is partly due to the growth in artificial intelligence, which has caused Microsoft's share prices to rise. Unlike other wealthy individuals like Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, and Jeff Bezos, Ballmer did not found or currently run the company that contributed to his wealth.
Key takeaways:
- Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, has seen his net worth increase by an estimated $29 billion this year, bringing his total to nearly $115 billion and making him the fifth richest person in the world.
- Ballmer is closing the wealth gap with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, with the difference now only $6 billion. He has surpassed other billionaires such as Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, Larry Ellison, and Sergey Brin.
- Ballmer's wealth is largely due to his significant shareholding in Microsoft, which he acquired during his tenure at the company from 1980 to 2014. The recent surge in his wealth is partly due to the growth in artificial intelligence, which has caused Microsoft share prices to rise.
- Unlike many other billionaires, Ballmer did not found or currently run the company that has made him wealthy. He attributes his success to luck, inspiration, and a strong work ethic.