<ul><li>Steve Ballmer has surpassed Bill Gates in net worth, becoming the richest former Microsoft employee and the sixth-richest person globally.</li><li>This milestone was reached as Microsoft's stock hit a record high, largely due to its AI partnership with OpenAI. Ballmer's net worth is $157.2 billion, with over 90% in Microsoft shares, while Gates has a diversified $156.7 billion fortune, including investments in Republic Services Inc.</li><li>Gates, who has donated billions through the Gates Foundation and the Giving Pledge, has significantly reduced his fortune. Ballmer, who has not joined the Giving Pledge, focuses on his own philanthropic efforts.</li></ul>

Steve Ballmer is richer than Bill Gates, a first for Microsoft billionaires

Discover more