Gates’ Next Full-Time Job: Trying to Save The World
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, who dropped out of Harvard to build the world’s largest software company and become the world’s richest person, said Thursday he is stepping aside over the next two years to work full time at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The world’s largest charity, the Seattle foundation has a $29.1 billion endowment focused on fighting disease and improving education around the world. Gates said he came to the decision Tuesday after ensuring that a strong transition plan was in place and that the company “would not miss a beat.”
He began by consulting with his wife, Melinda, the foundation’s co-chairwoman. He then brought in Ballmer, and later other close advisers, including his father, William Gates Sr., and billionaire investor and famed Gates bridge partner Warren Buffett.
“There’s a few key people who always help me with key decisions,” Gates said.
Under the transition plan detailed Thursday, Gates will assume the role of senior technical adviser at the company in July 2008, but he intends to continue his chairmanship of Microsoft’s board for the foreseeable future.
Under the transition plan detailed Thursday, Gates will assume the role of senior technical adviser at the company in July 2008, but he intends to continue his chairmanship of Microsoft’s board for the foreseeable future.
Ballmer said, “Bill teased me earlier. He said, ‘Anytime the president of China calls, feel free to give me a call and we’ll have him over for dinner.’ ”
Click here for more information.
