14 DAY TRIAL // Rumor has it that top Microsoft shareholders are pressuring co-founder Bill Gates to give up on his chairman seat, even though he remains the largest individual investor right now.
Ed Lazowska, a professor of computer science at the University of Washington, told the New York Times in an interview that Bill Gates is actually a key person for Microsoft, so it’s nearly impossible to see him go.
“It’s impossible to walk away from something that you have shaped and led to that extent, and with which you are so personally identified. I think there’s zero chance that he disengages — if anything, I bet he engages more,” he was quoted as saying.
Bill Gates is yet to comment on any resignation rumors, but people familiar with the matter hinted that both he and Steve Ballmer might be re-elected for seats on the board.