Between Gates and Ballmer, Microsoft has been late entering the internet application game and is in danger of becoming a producer of large-corporate software only, treating the individual market as a sideline. Under Ballmer, Microsoft's move into Oracle's territory was "undistinguished," not affecting the market to any extent.
Microsoft doesn't need a financial turn-around CEO (although it wouldn't hurt the stock share) but could use a CEO who expresses the excitement of Microsoft and backs innovative software that make a difference in people's daily life. Instead of following an "also ran" course of following internet application trends, they need to follow through on the more cutting edge application I'm sure they are working on.
While they are at it, a CEO that is politically savvy would help with anti-trust suits that hound the company.
While we are dreaming, could we also get a CEO with charisma? Bill had charisma - it was geeky, but people stopped to listen whenever he appeared. Microsoft needs that sparkle again.
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