Microsoft (MSFT) in a somewhat shocking announcement, revealed that founder Bill Gates, is scheduled to retire in 2008, and will start the transition out of the company starting now, being aided by CTO Ray Ozzie.
Gates and buddy Paul Allen started Microsoft together in 1975, and since then, Gates has guided the company, even though he stepped down as CEO several years ago, he has remained deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. They are stretching uot the process of Gates retirement to help the transition be a smooth one.
After July 2008, Gates will step out of daily responsibilities but continue to serve as the chairman of the company and advise on major projects.
His overall drive is to give more of his time to global health and education work that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has its major focus on. The foundation is the largest in its niche and has given away almost $30 billion to help combat diseases like cancer and aids.
"This was a hard decision for me, 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," Gates said.
For a time Ozzie will continue reporting to Gates and eventually will transition over to reporting to Ballmer.
Ballmer added "Bill and I are confident we've got a great team that can step up to fill his shoes and drive Microsoft innovation forward without missing a beat."
I know that it will seem really strange to me to think about Microsoft without Bill Gates at the helm.
The title though not the actual post you have posted above is kind of inaugurate don't you think, as he’s not really retiring just stepping down and has he said on the webcast he’s not leaving!
Posted by: Darren Straight | June 15, 2006 5:13 PM | Permalink to Comment