Ocelot9
06-16-2006, 11:35 AM
Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6152815.html)
Bill Gates is transitioning out of his full-time role at Microsoft, the software giant that's been under pressure due to a sagging stock price, competition from Google, and nagging delays in the Vista operating system.
In a press conference held Thursday after the stock markets had closed for regular trading, Gates announced that over the next two years he will gradually step away from his daily responsibilities at the company he cofounded some 30 years ago.
Microsoft's chief technical officer Ray Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect, Gates said. In addition, chief technical officer Craig Mundie will immediately take the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will assume Gates' responsibilities for the company's research and incubation efforts.
"Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead," Gates said in a release. "I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company," Gates said. "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."
IGN (http://xbox.ign.com/articles/712/712903p1.html)
Bill Gates to Step Down in 2008
The Microsoft chief will leave multiple roles at the company to focus on charity.
by David Adams
June 15, 2006 - In a surprising late-day announcement, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said he will transition out of his day-to-day responsibilities for the company to focus on work for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates will spend the next two years transferring his roles at Microsoft to others. Microsoft's Chief Technical Officer Ray Ozzie will take over as chief software architect, and Chief Technical Officer Craig Mundie will become chief research and strategy officer. Gates will work closely with both executives during the transition.
"This was a hard decision for me," Gates said. "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 founded Microsoft 30 years ago with childhood friend Paul Allen. Of course, the company -- and the man -- saw enormous success since. Gates is listed by Forbes as the world's richest man -- his estimated worth is around $50 billion -- though he still intends to give most of his fortune to charity.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a charity Gates began with his wife in 2000, "works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world" -- including efforts for global health and education.
Bill Gates is transitioning out of his full-time role at Microsoft, the software giant that's been under pressure due to a sagging stock price, competition from Google, and nagging delays in the Vista operating system.
In a press conference held Thursday after the stock markets had closed for regular trading, Gates announced that over the next two years he will gradually step away from his daily responsibilities at the company he cofounded some 30 years ago.
Microsoft's chief technical officer Ray Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect, Gates said. In addition, chief technical officer Craig Mundie will immediately take the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will assume Gates' responsibilities for the company's research and incubation efforts.
"Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead," Gates said in a release. "I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company," Gates said. "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."
IGN (http://xbox.ign.com/articles/712/712903p1.html)
Bill Gates to Step Down in 2008
The Microsoft chief will leave multiple roles at the company to focus on charity.
by David Adams
June 15, 2006 - In a surprising late-day announcement, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said he will transition out of his day-to-day responsibilities for the company to focus on work for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates will spend the next two years transferring his roles at Microsoft to others. Microsoft's Chief Technical Officer Ray Ozzie will take over as chief software architect, and Chief Technical Officer Craig Mundie will become chief research and strategy officer. Gates will work closely with both executives during the transition.
"This was a hard decision for me," Gates said. "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 founded Microsoft 30 years ago with childhood friend Paul Allen. Of course, the company -- and the man -- saw enormous success since. Gates is listed by Forbes as the world's richest man -- his estimated worth is around $50 billion -- though he still intends to give most of his fortune to charity.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a charity Gates began with his wife in 2000, "works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world" -- including efforts for global health and education.