Microsoft Business Division president Jeff Raikes, who announced his retirement plan this afternoon, said in an interview that he had been talking to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer "for some time" about the possibility of making the transition.

Raikes' retirement announcement comes as Bill Gates prepares to shift to a part-time role at Microsoft, but Raikes said Gates' decision didn't factor into his. Raikes said he felt he had accomplished key goals at Microsoft, including diversifying the Office and information-worker business, and ensuring that new leaders are prepared. He said he decided the time was right to leave, for both him and the company.

"It's a great time for that leadership to step up and take on the additional responsibility, working with (new MBD president) Stephen Elop, and in addition, I think it's a great time for me to think about what my next career will be," he said.

Raikes said he won't give that much consideration until after completing his remaining nine months, to ensure a smooth transition.

But he said he would probably do something outside the software industry – citing personal interests in areas including teaching, public service, philanthropy, and agriculture. He said he is unlikely to go into the venture capital business, as some other departing Microsoft executives have.

He said he and his wife, Tricia, plan to remain in the Seattle region. Although he said he isn't sure about what he will do next, he may be guided by his roots as a Nebraska farmboy. "With corn at over $4 a bushel," Raikes joked, "I think I could be an agribusiness tycoon."