“Bill Gates said today he will step down as Microsoft chief
executive and hand over the reins to president Steve Ballmer.”
“Gates said he will remain as chairman and also fill a new
post created for himself: chief software architect. He
announced the news at a press conference this afternoon in Redmond,
Wash.”
“The surprise announcement comes a day after news leaked that
the Department of Justice is proposing a breakup of Microsoft to
help resolve the antitrust case pending against the company.”
“Gates, 44, also said in a statement that Ballmer will become a
member of the Microsoft board of directors Jan. 27. Gates indicated
that he waited until after the release of Windows 2000 before
making the change.”
