Good old Bill is a member of the special Microsoft committee tasked with searching for and finalizing a new CEO after Steve Ballmer announced his retirement earlier this year.
And Gates, as Microsoft Chairman, has regularly attended the company’s annual shareholder meeting, albeit without speaking at the event. This time however, things were special. He made a brief address at the 2013 event held in Bellevue, Washington yesterday.
The man touched up on several subjects during his address, which was also streamed live on the web. The highlight was Steve Ballmer, and the search for a new leader to replace the outgoing CEO:
“I want to say thanks for the leadership over the last 13 years. It’s a real privilege to lead the incredibly talented group of employees we have. We’ve got a commitment to make sure the next CEO is the right person for right time for the company we both love. We share a commitment that Microsoft will succeed as a company that makes the world a better place.”
Bill even got a bit emotional at the end of his address reminding everyone that in the 38-year history of the company, Microsoft has only had two CEOs.
On the new leader, Gates said that whoever comes after Ballmer will have to be fully prepared to lead the technology titan, and without hinting at names, said that he and the committee were pleased with the progress made in selecting the replacement.
Bill Gates is not an ANDROID, you shouldn’t be surprised that he shows emotion. 🙂