main

Bill Gates Leaving Daily Role at Microsoft, Remains Chairman

Rob Wright   on 15 June 2006 - 20:48 · 100 comments & 47815 views

Advertisement (Why?)
Bill Gates will be transitioning out of a day-to-day role in the running of Microsoft by July 2008 to spend more time on his global health and education work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft Corp. today announced. The two-year transition period will ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of responsibilities.

The Redmond-based company announced that Gates will continue in his role as Chairman, with Ray Ozzie (currently Chief Technical Officer) taking over the Chief Software Architect post with immediate effect. Craig Mundie, also a Chief Technical officer, will assume the newly-created role of Chief Research and Strategy Officer.

“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.”

News source: Microsoft Press Release
Link: Neowin Forum Discussion




Post a comment · Send to friend Comments · There are 100 additional comments
#1 chisss on 15 Jun 2006 - 20:50
you dork I just submitted the same thing!...lol
#2 Chanser on 15 Jun 2006 - 20:52
Like a nice long retirement.
(4 replies) #3 jerzdawg on 15 Jun 2006 - 20:53
Terrible type-O's... please fix...
#3.1 Rob on 15 Jun 2006 - 20:56
!? Show me.
#3.2 McG on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:22
The word is "typo", and I don't see any either.
#3.3 mufdvr3669 on 16 Jun 2006 - 03:51
You don't see the typos because you don't have the same dictionary as jerzdawg and his "type-O's".
#3.4 noroom on 16 Jun 2006 - 07:10
ROFL
(5 replies) #4 Marshalus on 15 Jun 2006 - 20:59
He's bailing!
#4.1 phantasmorph on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:02
No kidding. Says a lot when the chief figurehead of Microsoft announces his retirement on the eve of the launch of their flagship product.
#4.2 NeoTrunks on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:35
I'm quite sure Vista will be released before 2008. Anyhow, he's not actually retiring anyway.
#4.3 C_Guy on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:42
Did anyone read the article before commenting? He is not retiring, he is transitioning his workload from Microsoft to his Foundation. It's not like he's sitting around counting his money.
#4.4 reidtheweed01 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:31
Quote - C_Guy said @ #4.3
Did anyone read the article before commenting? He is not retiring, he is transitioning his workload from Microsoft to his Foundation. It's not like he's sitting around counting his money.

Yeah, hes doing the exact opposite, hes giving his money away.
#4.5 Marshalus on 16 Jun 2006 - 11:35
I was kidding.
#5 Xenon on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:01
Oh Yea.
(2 replies) #6 Alex the man on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:03
the start of the demise of M$
#6.1 hotdog963al on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:04
#6.2 daftperception on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:54
I think your joking but really I don't think he has any real role there anyways. He was more like the voice of MSoft.
(10 replies) #7 RangerLG on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:11
Did Balmer dance when he heard this?
#7.1 Croquant on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:32
No, but kept repeating a phrase over and over and pounding his fist into his palm repeatedly.
http://achurch.org/media/ballmer.avi
#7.2 Luppy on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:43
Croquant that was some disturbing ****.
#7.3 jedimasterk on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:53
Hopefully Ballmer will be next to go!.
#7.4 Luppy on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:56
Geeze, It's scary to think microsoft's new head honcho will be this guy;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Monkeyboy
#7.5 The_Decryptor on 16 Jun 2006 - 03:26
When are they going to get rid of that guy?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CZr2qXVlEcs&search=domopers
#7.6 stifler6478 on 16 Jun 2006 - 03:27
At least he loves the company

-Spenser
#7.7 djesteban on 16 Jun 2006 - 04:24
wow... it's the first time I see this video... this guy is a real psychopath! What a ****ing freak, damn.
How can microsoft keep this dangerous clownesque personnage in their rank is a mystery to me...
#7.8 Smigit on 16 Jun 2006 - 05:01
yeah he looked really dangerous to me to...
#7.9 blx on 16 Jun 2006 - 05:41
Quote - jedimasterk said @ #7.3
Hopefully Ballmer will be next to go!.

Hopefully not! That guy's damn funny.
#7.10 lbmouse on 16 Jun 2006 - 13:50
Quote - jedimasterk said @ #7.3
Hopefully Ballmer will be next to go!.

It seems that CNN money agrees.

FTFA: "Since Gates stepped down as CEO in 2000 in favor of Ballmer, the company has floundered technically and strategically."

Personally, I'd miss monkey boy with all the Ballmer vs. Bozo the Clown photo comparisons and chair tossing jokes.
(2 replies) #8 Tony_Yayo on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:11
if i had 29 billion id quit too.
#8.1 Croquant on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:28
You wouldn't just stick around untill you had 30 billion?
#8.2 TC17 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:39
Quote - Tony_Yayo said @ #8
if i had 29 billion id quit too.

Bill has a LOT more than 29Billion. Closer to double that.
(5 replies) #9 Makks on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:17
Does this mean that he will no longer be the face of Microsoft, making keynote speeches etc;
#9.1 Chanser on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:27
He probably only do speeches and etc in charities.
#9.2 Croquant on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:34
No, they have a Bill Gates robot to do that now. It runs Windows Vista: Robot Edition.
#9.3 TheGriffin on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:07
Quote - Croquant said @ #9.2
No, they have a Bill Gates robot to do that now. It runs Windows Vista: Robot Edition.


What??? I heard it got delayed ??
#9.4 planetik on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:15
Quote - TheGriffin said @ #9.3
Quote - Croquant said @ #9.2
No, they have a Bill Gates robot to do that now. It runs Windows Vista: Robot Edition.


What??? I heard it got delayed ??

LMAO!
#9.5 Croquant on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:29
It's the beta robot. The real one will come later.
(3 replies) #10 Blues™ on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:28
For all of yall that only read the headline.
He is simply stating that he is no longer going to be in charge of day to day dealings.
This means all the small stuff that he really shouldnt be dealing with

He will remain chairman of the company which means he still will be the end of the line when it comes to making decisions, and he is still going to have a hand in all their products. Its just now he is going to be able to allocate time to those other things he finds important
#10.1 Jugalator on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:16
Hmm, are you sure about this? He's not going to be Chief Software Architect, and that was basically "the important things he did on Microsoft" lately, since he stopped being the CEO back in 2000. I think it's more than what you describe, otherwise Bill Gates wouldn't talk about "a hard decision" and what he believed Microsoft's future to be like. He seems to only stay as a chairman for more formal matters. Even their press release spells it out in the headline that he'll remain as an "advisor". That hardly means end of line decisions, and I believe CEO Ballmer is the guy to look for, for these things.
#10.2 cybershark on 16 Jun 2006 - 00:30
Quote - Jugalator said @ #10.1
Hmm, are you sure about this? He's not going to be Chief Software Architect, and that was basically "the important things he did on Microsoft" lately, since he stopped being the CEO back in 2000. I think it's more than what you describe, otherwise Bill Gates wouldn't talk about "a hard decision" and what he believed Microsoft's future to be like. He seems to only stay as a chairman for more formal matters. Even their press release spells it out in the headline that he'll remain as an "advisor". That hardly means end of line decisions, and I believe CEO Ballmer is the guy to look for, for these things.


He will still be chairman of the board
#10.3 stifler6478 on 16 Jun 2006 - 03:29
Yeah, and until he gives up the controlling stake in MSFT, he's pretty much in charge....

-Spenser
#11 Kirkburn on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:28
Okay, before you all start going crazy:


MS is not one person.

He is not stepping down 'on the eve of a flagship product release' ... you could say that about any day he chooses to leave.

It's a good thing for those who benefit from his Foundation (and believe me, that's a lot).

He's not leaving MS, but it is true he won't be as visible as previously. He still retains influence over the company, however.
#12 WebMotiva on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:30
Well, another step to confirm the MS+Apple+Intel conspiracy.
#13 C-M on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:40
#14 harythewho on 15 Jun 2006 - 21:55
If you read the source, it says Bill Gates is only stepping down from his day to day operations which means he will still make Microsoft rule!!! Yeah Bill Gates!!! He has wisely used his money for good causes (charity especially the Windows products XD)
#15 Kirkburn on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:01
Frontpage BBC news now http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5085444.stm

And please, please do all read the article before commenting!

(3 replies) #16 *John* on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:04
You can so tell that the majority of you have no experence with corporate spin.

Microsoft are selling you, and most importantly the shareholders, bad/worrying/questionable news with a positive spin. They got the "slow transition" (nothing to worry about) point accross very solidly. Then they hit you with "Ray Ozzie (currently Chief Technical Officer) is taking over the Chief Software Architect post with immediate effect. so that that piece of information was less pronounced, and wouldnt really register in your minds. Its marketing spin.

Lets think about this.......Bill Gates is (was) currently the Chief Software Architect. Ray Ozzie is taking full control of that position right now........ meaning Microsoft's Chief Software Architect is leaving his post only a few months before the release of 2 of Microsoft's biggest software releases EVER, in the form of Windows Vista, and Office 2007.

Something is afoot........
#16.1 theyarecomingforyou on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:11
Yeah, just like when he stood down as CEO... oh wait, perhaps he just wants to reduce his responsibilities/move on. I'm just surprised that this didn't come a lot sooner, though he'll still retain huge control and influence over Microsoft.
#16.2 Jugalator on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:22
"still retain huge control and influence over Microsoft"

That's largely speculative from the news we've had so far. His own quotes are "shifting priorities" and that could mean a lot, as well as a little. The press release speaks of him of taking on a more advisory role at MS, so that would point more to a greater reduction in their affairs than a small one to me. When you step down as a Chief Software Architect, that's no doubt a major shift in focus anyway.

Actually, the BBC News coverage has a point about this:
"But Microsoft shareholders are assumed to have some jitters about the ambiguity regarding the future leadership of the company that Gates founded and ran for over 20 years"
#16.3 theyarecomingforyou on 16 Jun 2006 - 00:22
He'll still hold onto a large number of shares, he'll still have respect amongst top-ranking Microsoft officials and be able to sway other shareholders should there be a disagreement. Although he won't play a day-to-day role in the company as the world's richest man and a technology figurehead he would be listened to any, without even taking into account his intimate association with the company. Obviously his role will be diminished but I doubt that will change his influence much.
#17 Jugalator on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:12
gg Bill
(1 reply) #18 vet[NFC]Wave on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:18
Longest two-week notice in history
#18.1 Croquant on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:31
Hey, it takes time to pay out that 30 billion in severence fees.
(3 replies) #19 on 01 Jan 1970 - 00:00
#19.1 RenaissanceMan on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:30
You have got to be freakin' kidding.
#19.2 simon360 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:34
I should just look over this and ignore it, but I just can't. That was the most racist and wrong thing I have EVER heard anyone say.
#19.3 mr_da3m0n on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:37
Nazi geeks? on MY neowin?
#20 simon360 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:35
I'm not really sure about this, I have mixed feelings. Sort fo confusing, as I hardly understand business.
(2 replies) #21 MGS3-SS on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:37
About time!
#21.1 SnowMizer on 16 Jun 2006 - 04:07
Quote - MGS3-SS said @ #21
About time!


Keep your trolling to the console forums please.
#21.2 jubber2002 on 17 Jun 2006 - 15:53
Quote - SnowMizer said @ #21.1
Quote - MGS3-SS said @ #21
About time!


Keep your trolling to the console forums please.


You know what I love, is people think it is cool to hate Microsoft, Bill Gates is satan, and Windowz is teh suk.

[/End Sarcasm]
Seriously! State a good reason!
#22 reidtheweed01 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:37
I just dont get how you all find something bad in everything. I just cant belive how you people do it. When he gives away money, you people even find bad things about that. The whole reason of getting a job is to make money, he did that, and now has more money then anyone in the world, so their is nothing wrong with leaving. If he said he was going to stay for the next 30 years, you would all complain and say hes just being greedy.

Which is it.
(6 replies) #23 TC17 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:42
How hypocritical of him. He cares so much about the poor of other countries, yet neglects his own country. The prices he charges for his software are insanely high. They have even been convicted in many states of overcharging.

We have plenty of poor people of our own in America, yet he is taking/stealing our money and giving it to others to make himself look good.

They show him on TV giving medicine to some sick child in another country, when common sense knows that he isn't over giving out medicine. Its all a publicity stunt.
#23.1 ShadowPHP on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:01
Quote - TC17 said @ #23
How hypocritical of him. He cares so much about the poor of other countries, yet neglects his own country. The prices he charges for his software are insanely high. They have even been convicted in many states of overcharging.

We have plenty of poor people of our own in America, yet he is taking/stealing our money and giving it to others to make himself look good.

They show him on TV giving medicine to some sick child in another country, when common sense knows that he isn't over giving out medicine. Its all a publicity stunt.


Robin Hood, anyone?
#23.2 Lexcyn on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:21
Excuse me, third world countries have nothing while here in North America and other 'westernized' nations have tons and tons of resources for people who want to work and make a living. There are tons of programs available; now I realize that sometimese these don't work but I mean cmon. You can't go around saving everyone or giving away free money, because chances are they are just going to take that money and use it on something not-so-good. If you put money into infrastructure and other stuff in third world countries then maybe they will become westernized or modernized enough to start sustaining themselves, and then they won't need that much help from other countries or charities.
#23.3 DefensiveCore on 16 Jun 2006 - 01:01
Really.... he's paying for my college education.
#23.4 Smigit on 16 Jun 2006 - 02:07
Ohh cry me a river. Everyone here has everything compared to those people he is helping. Countries where more people more often than not have life threatening illnesses due to the poor health. Whether you personally can afford the latest and greatest OS is alot less pressing than whether someone can afford to feed their family twice a week or drink something other than contaminated water.

The very fact you wrote that message indicates that theres probably a 95% you did it on a PC you have regular access and are in a position where you could use a computer. So whether he charges alot really doesnt matter, obviously people ARE able to afford it if its on 95% of pc's even if thats just an OEM purchase. It's not like your forced to buy a new OS on the day of release.

But yeah. Those people he is helping have a terribly hard life. I'd go so far to say as the people in the worst situation in places like America ect (the homless ect) still get it better than most of the people hes helping. At least the homeless have some access to clean water and food drives ect. Those people, without charities such as Bills, would have nothing.
#23.5 Havin_it on 16 Jun 2006 - 13:55
Yeah, 'cause all the bums of America are in crisis because they can't afford a copy of Windows XP or an Xbox, ass.

I've no qualification to comment on whether MS's prices are reasonable or not, but FFS man, get some perspective. If they are indeed inflated, it sure as hell ain't a tax on the poor of any country.
#23.6 jubber2002 on 17 Jun 2006 - 16:16
Quote - TC17 said @ #23
How hypocritical of him. He cares so much about the poor of other countries, yet neglects his own country. The prices he charges for his software are insanely high. They have even been convicted in many states of overcharging.

We have plenty of poor people of our own in America, yet he is taking/stealing our money and giving it to others to make himself look good.

They show him on TV giving medicine to some sick child in another country, when common sense knows that he isn't over giving out medicine. Its all a publicity stunt.

Do you give anything to charity or poor people? Have you seen the prices for OS X and video games. How about the PS3 and other Computer brands.
(3 replies) #24 Fubar on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:43
cute how you made the main page new block pink for him bless his little cotton socks
#24.1 reidtheweed01 on 16 Jun 2006 - 02:36
Well this site is only named after one of his products
#24.2 PureLegend on 16 Jun 2006 - 05:56
Quote - reidtheweed01 said @ #24.1
Well this site is only named after one of his products


I beg to differ
#24.3 reidtheweed01 on 16 Jun 2006 - 06:47
Quote - PureLegend said @ #24.2
Quote - reidtheweed01 said @ #24.1
Well this site is only named after one of his products


I beg to differ

When you go to login, or are in the forums, look at the background, and then come back here and shut the **** up.
#25 hyperactive on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:46
This just marks another transition for MS.

I remember years ago when in an interview Gates talked about possibly leaving MS when he turned 40 to persue other interests.
(1 reply) #26 TC17 on 15 Jun 2006 - 22:51
Perfect example of a company stealing from customers:
http://neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=33603

That is just an insane price for Vista. Then people wonder why warez exists.
#26.1 Rodrigo on 16 Jun 2006 - 05:57
Quote - TC17 said @ #26
Perfect example of a company stealing from customers:
http://neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=33603

That is just an insane price for Vista. Then people wonder why warez exists.


A bit hypocritical. If you don't want to pay for it, don't buy it. End of story.

That's why there are open source OS like Linux and all the different and complete distros. So stop trying to justify your horrible stealing habits.
(1 reply) #27 icec on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:03
I guess he has too much money?
#27.1 L3thal on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:50
What's your point? He has said he will give a big amount of his fortune away in charities before he dies because he doesn't need all that wealth.
#28 vetvoidunknown on 15 Jun 2006 - 23:41
Good for Billy. I wish him luck. He's been at it for a while, the guy needs a break. He'll come back, he always does.
#29 EduardValencia on 16 Jun 2006 - 00:10
yup,he has to spend all that money! :p
(3 replies) #30 lammmetak on 16 Jun 2006 - 00:23
he is leaving a sinking ship. Apple is going to own microsoft because microsoft is such a crap company. Windows Vista = wannabe OSX. Glad he is leaving . The onl thing he is skilled in is stealing. He should be in jail not the richest man on the world. Fecking ******.
#30.1 cybershark on 16 Jun 2006 - 00:40
Microsoft is far from a sinking ship. I suggest you look at how much money they have in cash and short term investments.

Tell me where does Bill Gates' financial worth come from?
Number of Microsoft shares he owns and Microsoft's market capitalization?

IMHO Vista WILL be a success, just look at how many people have downloaded Beta 2
#30.2 sub999 on 16 Jun 2006 - 02:26
hahaha how funny??

Do you know how much stake and shares Microsoft has at Apple? If it doesn't have any stake in the company, Apple has been slashed out. They do want Apple to grow so that they can earn profit from shares.
#30.3 HawkMan on 16 Jun 2006 - 11:58
Didn't they sell the stocks the bought to "save" apple back
#31 warwagon on 16 Jun 2006 - 02:03
lol he already picked a month
(1 reply) #32 casao on 16 Jun 2006 - 03:03
>>Posted by Rob Wright 6 hours ago · There are 66 comments & 6 trackbacks

Written in red like it is up top, that's fairly amusing.