In 2006, Microsoft founder and front-man, Bill Gates, announced plans to step down from his full-time role at Microsoft. As June draws to a close, that day has finally come. Handing the reigns over to CEO Steve Ballmer, Gates is stepping down to part-time employee and chairman. Gates’ primary focus will shift toward his charitable foundation, according to Newsweek.
Steve Ballmer sounded off on Gates’ departure: “He founded the company, he’s accumulated this wealth, he’s got this foundation, he’s got this fame. That’s irreplaceable. Also, Bill grew up with every one of the technologies in this company. He’s got more capacity to remember things than anybody I’ve ever known. It’s unlikely we’ll have anybody again who has that breadth.”