Bill Gates leaves his Chairman position to become a technical advisor

Ron

Microsoft has just announced its new CEO Satya Nadella, but that isn’t the only thing which will be making buzz at Redmond today.  Bill Gates, who has spearheaded the company for over two decades, is also going through some role shifting. Stepping down from the Chairman of the Board position, Gates will now be a technical advisor and will be giving more time to the company. 

While John Thompson will be taking over Gates’ position, this apparent shift may give Nadella more authority. Bill will now be more active in the company he co-founded with Paul Allen 39 years ago. 

“Microsoft also announced that Bill Gates, previously Chairman of the Board of Directors, will assume a new role on the Board as Founder and Technology Advisor, and will devote more time to the company, supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction. John Thompson, lead independent director for the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors and remain an independent director on the Board.”

Do you think this change will benefit Microsoft?