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Gates Slowly Exits Daily Life at Microsoft
Staff Reporter -- Electronic News, 6/16/2006
Microsoft Corp. Chairman, Chief Software Architect and Founder Bill Gates will transition out of his day-to-day role at the company to spend more time on his global health and education work over the next two years.
Effective July 2008, the transition aims to provide the company with a soft landing as its most recognizable executive – possible the most recognizable executive in the world – lessens his daily responsibilities and is a move that has been in the works at Microsoft for years. In January 2000, Gates took the title of chief software architect and Steve Ballmer assumed the role of CEO, responsible for all day-to-day operations and company business strategy. In September 2005, Ballmer bumped up senior leadership at the Redmond Giant, organizing the company into three divisions under presidents Jim Allchin, Kevin Johnson, Robbie Bach and Jeff Raikes. In August 2005, the company appointed Kevin Turner as COO.
Taking over Gates’ daily responsibilities will be Microsoft CTO Ray Ozzie and CTO Craig Mundie. Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect and begin working with Gates on all technical architecture and product oversight responsibilities, while Mundie will immediately take the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will work closely with Gates to assume responsibility for the company’s research and incubation efforts. Mundie will work with General Counsel Brad Smith on Microsoft’s intellectual property and technology policy efforts.
Ozzie came to Microsoft in April 2005 through an acquisition Groove Networks, a company he founded. Prior to that, Ozzie was part of IBM, having joined when the company acquired Lotus Development Corp. Ozzie was the creator of that company's Lotus Notes. Mundie joined Microsoft in 1992 to create and run the consumer platforms division, which was responsible for developing non-PC platform and service offerings including the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. Mundie also started Microsoft’s digital TV efforts and acquired and managed the WebTV Networks Inc. subsidiary. Ozzie and Mundie will continue to report to Gates, transitioning to Ballmer over the two year period.
“Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead. I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company,” Gates said in a company statement Thursday. “I remain fully committed and full time at Microsoft through June 2008 and will be working side by side with Ray and Craig to ensure that a smooth transition occurs.
“This was a hard decision for me,” Gates added. “I’m very lucky to have two passions that I feel are so important and so challenging. As I prepare for this change, I firmly believe the road ahead for Microsoft is as bright as ever.”
Come July 2008, Gates will continue to serve as Microsoft chairman and an advisor on key development projects.
