Microsoft Is 'Like a Startup' in Search Says Ballmerbr Stanford University - Stanford Universitybr Steven Anthony Ballmer needs no introduction. He has been the chief executive officer of Microsoft Corporation since January 2000. Ballmer joined Microsoft on June 11, 1980, and became Microsoft's 24th employee, the first business manager hired by Gates. As a visionary and leader, Steve Ballmer has led Microsoft to the top of the computer software world.