Who Is Steve Ballmer, Sixth Richest Person Worldwide, Overtaking Bill Gates

Steve Ballmer has surpassed his former boss and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to become the sixth richest person in the world as per Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. This milestone was achieved as shares of Microsoft soared to new heights, driven largely by its advancements in artificial intelligence in partnership with OpenAI.

Born on March 24, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as its 30th employee and quickly rose through the ranks. Known for his energetic leadership style, he became CEO in 2000, succeeding Bill Gates.

During his tenure, Ballmer navigated Microsoft through significant challenges and expansions, including the launch of Xbox and the acquisition of Skype. He retired in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of transforming Microsoft into a dominant force in the tech industry.

Ballmer's wealth is predominantly tied to his holdings in Microsoft, with over 90% of his $157.2 billion net worth coming from the company's shares as reported by Bloomberg. In contrast, Gates has diversified his fortune, investing in a range of ventures through his investment vehicle, Cascade Investment, and engaging in extensive philanthropic efforts.

Gates, alongside his former wife Melinda French Gates, has committed substantial amounts to their foundation, aiming to address global health, poverty, and education challenges.

Gates and Ballmer's paths diverged significantly after Ballmer's retirement from Microsoft. In addition to his stake in the tech giant, Ballmer made headlines with his purchase of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion in 2014, an investment that has substantially appreciated in value since then.

While Gates has dedicated much of his post-Microsoft career to philanthropy, Ballmer's charitable efforts have been less prominent, although he remains involved in various causes.