Updated: June 27, 2008
William (Bill) H. Gates is chairman of Microsoft Corporation, the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
On June 27, 2008, Gates transitioned out of a day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates continues to serve as Microsoft’s chairman and as an advisor on key development projects. In June 2006, Ray Ozzie assumed Gates’ previous title as chief software architect and oversees technical architecture and product oversight responsibilities at Microsoft. Craig Mundie assumed the new title of chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft and is responsible for the company’s research and incubation efforts.
Born on Oct. 28, 1955, Gates grew up in Seattle with his two sisters. Their father, William H. Gates II, is a Seattle attorney. Their late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chairwoman of United Way International.
Gates attended public elementary school and the private Lakeside School. There, he discovered his interest in software and began programming computers at age 13.
In 1973, Gates entered Harvard University as a freshman, where he lived down the hall from Steve Ballmer, now Microsoft's chief executive officer. While at Harvard, Gates developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the first microcomputer - the MITS Altair.
In his junior year, Gates left Harvard to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop and in every home, they began developing software for personal computers. Gates’ foresight and his vision for personal computing have been central to the success of Microsoft and the software industry.
Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft's mission has been to continually advance and improve software technology, and to make it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable for people to use computers. The company is committed to a long-term view, reflected in its industry-leading investment in research and development each year.
In 1999, Gates wrote “Business @ the Speed of Thoughtâ€, a book that shows how computer technology can solve business problems in fundamentally new ways. The book was published in 25 languages and is available in more than 60 countries. “Business @ the Speed of Thought†has received wide critical acclaim, and was listed on the best-seller lists of the “New York Timesâ€, “USA Todayâ€, “The Wall Street Journal†and on Amazon.com. Gates' previous book, “The Road Aheadâ€, published in 1995, was at the top of the “New York Times“ bestseller list for seven weeks.
Gates has donated the proceeds of both books to non-profit organizations that support the use of technology in education and skills development.
In addition to his love of computers and software, Gates founded Corbis, which is developing one of the world's largest resources of visual information - a comprehensive digital archive of art and photography from public and private collections around the globe. He is also a member of the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which invests in companies engaged in diverse business activities.
Philanthropy is very important to Gates. He and his wife, Melinda, started a foundation in 2000 to help reduce inequities in the United States and around the world. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports philanthropic initiatives in the areas of global health and learning, with the hope that in the 21st century, advances in these critical areas will be available for all people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.gatesfoundation.org.
Gates was married on Jan. 1, 1994, to Melinda French Gates. They have three children. Gates is an avid reader, and enjoys playing golf, tennis and bridge.
Top of page
Speech Archive
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996
Tech·Ed 2008 - Developers 
At Tech·Ed 2008, Bill discusses the future of application development and the advances in software and hardware creating new opportunities for developers.
June 3, 2008 advance08: The Future of Media
Bill Gates and Satya Nadella speak to advertising leaders from around the world about Microsoft's innovations in digital advertising and the new ad-based products and services currently in development at Microsoft.
May 21, 2008 - Redmond, WA Microsoft CEO Summit 2008
Bill demonstrates new Microsoft touch-based hardware and software technology, and outlines best practices to drive innovation at the 12th annual Summit.
May 14, 2008 - Redmond, WA 2008 Government Leaders Forum Asia
Bill and Chief Research & Strategy Officer Craig Mundie speak to the Government Leaders Forum — Asia about the major role of IT in delivering government services to citizens.
May 7, 2008 - Jakarta, Indonesia Japan Premium Forum
Bill addresses the Japan Premium Forum about using software for business advantage.
May 7, 2008 - Tokyo Japan Press Conference
Addressing reporters at a press conference in Tokyo, Bill talks about the changing world of software in the Second Digital Decade, the special work being done with Windows Media Center in Japan, and DreamSpark for aspiring young developers.
May 7, 2008 - Tokyo Windows Digital Lifestyle Consortium
As part of his Asian tour, Bill addresses the Windows Digital Lifestyle Consortium in Japan, speaking about digital trends and rapid innovation.
May 7, 2008 - Tokyo Nippon Keidanren
Bill addresses Nippon Keidanren (Japanese Business Federation) during his tour of Asia, discussing digital integration and innovation.
May 7, 2008 - Tokyo U.S.-Japan Diet Members Reception
Bill addresses U.S.-Japan Diet members (National Diet of Japan) during his tour of Asia, discussing how technology can help address global issues in education and healthcare.
May 7, 2008 - Tokyo Innovation Day, Seoul Digital Forum
Bill speaks at the Fifth Annual Seoul Digital forum, discussing how advances in hardware and software will allow us to use computing in very different ways in education, healthcare and business in the near future.
May 6, 2008 - Seoul, Korea College Tour 2008 — University of Washington
Bill addresses students at his final stop on College Tour 2008, discussing the future of software, the importance of investing in technology research and the work of The Gates Foundation.
April 25, 2008 - Seattle, Wash. Government Leaders Forum Americas 2008
Bill discusses how innovative breakthroughs in hardware and software can help address challenges and opportunities in Latin America, particularly in government, business and education.
April 4, 2008 - Miami, Florida Testimony Before the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives
Bill testifies before the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives about the future of innovation, U.S. competitiveness and the need for improvements in science education.
March 12, 2008 - Washington, D.C. SharePoint Conference 2008
Bill highlights the growth and success of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and addresses Microsoft's plans to continue to invest in and innovate on SharePoint, with the goal of helping customers realize even greater value and choice as a result of making SharePoint a part of their productivity infrastructure.
March 3, 2008 - Redmond, Wash. College Tour 2008 — Stanford University
Bill addresses students at Stanford University, touching on topics such as global healthcare, education, and what software will do for people in the decades ahead.
Feb. 19, 2008 - Palo Alto, Calif. Office System Developers Conference 2008
Bill kicks off the Microsoft Office System Developers Conference, his keynote highlighting new tools and services for developers building on the Office platform.
Feb. 11, 2008 - Palo Alto, Calif. Government Leaders Forum Arabia 2008
Bill speaks about the progress technology will make in the next decade, advances Microsoft has made in the Arabic region with partners and educational institutions, and using technology to advance the goals of the region.
Jan. 27, 2008 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates World Economic Forum 2008
Bill outlines his vision for "creative capitalism" - an approach where governments, businesses and nonprofits work together to stretch the reach of market forces so that more people can make a profit, or gain recognition, doing work that eases the world's inequities.
Jan. 24, 2008 - Davos, Switzerland Government Leaders Forum Europe 2008
Addressing senior politicians, officials and influencers from across Europe, Bill discusses rapidly improving technology that is delivering more effective e-government and better education.
Jan. 23, 2008 - Berlin, Germany 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show
The 2008 International CES event kicked off Sunday in Las Vegas with a keynote featuring Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Robbie Bach, President, Entertainment and Devices Division. Gates and Bach presented some of the software, devices and technology that are helping to create connected entertainment experiences for people today. Gates speculated on some of the key technologies that will usher in what he described as the "second digital decade" in the coming years, and also offered a tongue-in-cheek look at what his last day working full-time at Microsoft might look like.
Jan. 6, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nev.
Top of page
Bill Gates Image Gallery
A selection of portraits and news photos of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.
Headshots | 2008 Events | 2007 Events | 2006 Events | 2005 Events
Headshots
2008 Event Photos
CES 2008 - Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates prepares for his "Guitar Hero" battle with Robbie Bach, President, Entertainment and Devices Division during the opening keynote for 2008 International CES. Las Vegas, NV, Jan. 6, 2008.
High-res version
Read more
COLLEGE TOUR 2008 - Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announces Microsoft DreamSpark student program to students and faculty at Stanford University. Palo Alto, CA, Feb. 19, 2008.
High-res version
Read more
Top of page
2007 Event Photos
>
U.S. SENATE HEARING - Bill Gates testifies at a Senate commitee hearing on strengthening American competitiveness. Washington, D.C., March 7, 2007.
High-res version
Read more
RSA 2007 - Bill Gates (right) and Microsoft Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie discuss security challenges facing the technology industry. San Francisco, CA, Feb. 6, 2007.
High-res version
Read more
WINHEC 2007 - Keynoting WinHEC 2007, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates discusses why it's an exciting time to be building hardware solutions for the Windows platform. Los Angeles, CA, May 15, 2007.
High-res version
Read more
Top of page
2006 Event Photos
CES 2006 - Bill Gates (left) and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (right) play the Xbox 360 Fight Night, Round 3 video game with boxing commentator Al Bernstein (center) during Gates' keynote address at the 2006 International CES. Las Vegas, NV, Jan. 4, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
E3 - Bill Gates charts the future of interactive entertainment at a press conference during Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Los Angeles, CA, May 9, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
WINHEC 2006 - Bill Gates at the Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC). Seattle, WA, May 23, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft.com%2Fpresspass%2Fimages%2Fpress%2F2006%2F06-15gates.jpg)
TRANSITION PLANS - Bill Gates discusses his plans to transition out of a day-to-day role at Microsoft. Redmond, WA, June 15, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
TRANSITION PLANS - Bill Gates (right) and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at a news conference to discuss Microsoft's senior-leadership transition plans. Redmond, WA, June 15, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
SENIOR LEADERSHIP - Bill Gates (far left) and (L-R) Microsoft Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie, Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie and CEO Steve Ballmer at a news conference announcing plans for Ozzie and Mundie to assume increased roles in the company. Redmond, WA, June 15, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
ZUNE LAUNCH - Bill Gates (left) receives a wirelessly transmitted song on a new Zune device from John Richards of Seattle radio station KEXP at a Zune preview event. Seattle, WA, Nov. 13, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
HUMANITARIAN AWARD - Bill Gates (right) accepts the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award from Applied Materials President and CEO Michael Splinter at the Tech Museum of San Jose. San Jose, CA, Nov. 15, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
INNOVATION SUMMIT - Bill Gates (left) is interviewed by journalist Charlie Rose at the TechNet Innovation Summit. Stanford, CA, Nov. 15, 2006.
High-res version
Read more
Top of page
2005 Event Photos
CES 2005 - Bill Gates playing an Xbox car racing game during his keynote at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show. Las Vegas, NV, Jan. 5, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
CEO SUMMIT - Bill Gates addresses business leaders at the ninth annual Microsoft CEO Summit. Redmond, WA, May 19, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
PDC - Bill Gates discusses advances coming in the Windows Vista operating system at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 13, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
PALM, VERIZON, WINDOWS MOBILE - (L-R): Bill Gates; Palm, Inc. President and CEO Ed Colligan, and Verizon Wireless President and CEO Denny Strigl announce a strategic alliance to expand the Smartphone market with a new line of Treo Smartphones from Verizon Wireless. San Francisco, Sept. 26, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
CAMPUS TALKS - Bill Gates speaks to computer-science students at Columbia University during a tour of U.S. and Canadian campuses. New York, NY, Oct. 13, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
SHAREHOLDER GATHERING - Bill Gates discusses the coming wave of software breakthroughs at Microsoft's annual shareholder meeting. Bellevue, WA, Nov. 9, 2005.
High-res version
Read more
Top of page
Mowser