“Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates’ longtime right-hand man at
Microsoft, was named CEO on Thursday, effective 27 January.
Ballmer, 46, replaced Gates as the company’s president in July
1998.”
“Gates, who will retain his title of chairman and assume the
newly created role of chief software architect, said, “I’ve had the
same job for 25 years…. I see this is a very good transition for
the company.”
“In his new position, Gates will focus on promoting and
improving the company’s Windows 2000 operating system,
scheduled for release in February.”