1. Bill gates has announced that he would be transitioning his role as Chief Architect of Microsoft.
Ray Ozzie would take on Chief Software Architect.
Here is a first cut
1. Bill G is working hard every day every hour for Microsoft. His rate of return for his direct contribution into Microsoft has decreased over the past few years. So, BillG is better off if he don't have to work as hard for the small returns he gets as Microsoft employee. (Well different unconventional perspective). In the present arrangement, he still will be chairman of the Board of directors and take on Advisory role. In his remarks he said "I see myself always being the largest shareholder of Microsoft. I'm proud of that" http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/speeches/2006/06-15transition.asp BillG helping Microsoft in Chairman/Advisor would be to preserve his wealth and also, he can get product his dreams come true (not a thing that an average employee with smaller brain can think off).
2. At the current stage in his life and his current wealth, BillG is going for the next best bet to make the most impact - can't blame him for this smart guy. As philanthropist, he can make a long lasting impact on human kind - so that he is remembered 200 years from he is gone. These are some of the thought process of wealthiest people (read as Kings) in the world - who build Taj Mahal besides other big things.
3. From the article pointed above, Bill seems to have planned this in 2004 with his wife Melinda. Bill has also shared it with the CEO - Steve Blamer. Don't know if it is timing - Microsoft paid out one time dividend - a substantive sum - much more than impact of IRS and the US government’s tax returns program that was going on at that time. Guess, who profited the most - BillG who got a huge dividend of USD 3B, that he transferred in to his foundation (read his new company). Now comes question to SEC (Securities and Excahnges Commission).... If an ‘employee’ is planning on resigning - he siphons out a large sum from the company in to his new company (non-profit organization) - is it not looking more like Enron's deal – even though it is as dividend? Remember BillG is ultra smart - unbelievably smart. He is ruthless in business - will do any thing to get what he wants... Well, I wish some one spots this direction of thinking and do what's in best interest to prevent such rich folks from making decisions to pocket big money right before quieting the company...
4. All this said, I still like BillG as a philanthropist and as one of the smartest guy in my time and wish him well.
---
Adding to the story is Waren Buffet donates his money to Bill after Bill joins Waren's company in the board. Also, the donation is conditional upon Bill and Milinda being healthy and actively working on the foundation. Looks like a big time scandle to evade tax at the expense of all other tax payers. Also, at the same time accomplish what these individual wants to accomplish (in the name of charity).