Microsoft salutes the new President

 

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Posted on 15 Feb 2001 at 10:44

Microsoft has a new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). The existing COO, Bob Herbold, has decided to retire, to spend more time with his fly fishing rods.

Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer and still the power behind the Gates throne, announced that the 47-year-old Rick Belluzzo will assume the two roles. He joined Microsoft in September 1999 and has been credited with successfully overseeing the development of the MSN Web site and the Xbox console.

Previously, Belluzzo was executive vice president of Hewlett-Packard and then CEO of Silicon Graphics.

"As Rick transitions to his broader set of responsibilities, I will spend more time focusing on Microsoft's strategic direction and working closely with Bill and the leaders of our product teams - including Jim Allchin, Jeff Raikes and Bob Muglia - on our platform, productivity, enterprise and software services efforts," said Ballmer.

Herbold will continue to work for Microsoft part-time, however, representing the company in some industry and government meetings.

Author: Alun Williams