Former (Resigned)Resigned · Jan 13, 2000
Rank #12 Globally
Quick Answer & Tenure Summary
Bill Gates served as Co-Founder & CEO of Microsoft for a verified duration of 24 years 9 months (9,050 days), from Apr 4, 1975 until Jan 13, 2000. During this tenure, Bill Gates guided Microsoft across major corporate milestones before departing by resigned.
In Office
24 years 9 months
9,050 days
Start Date
Apr 4, 1975
Appointed 1975
End Date
Jan 13, 2000
resigned
Age at Appointment
19 years old
Born Oct 28, 1955
Executive Succession & Corporate Facts
- Predecessor
- None (Founding CEO)
- Successor
- Interim / Search in progress
- Global Tenure Rank
- #12 Longest-Serving CEO in Database (View Full Rankings →)
- Company Founded
- Apr 4, 1975 (Redmond, Washington)
- Known Aliases
- William Henry Gates III
Tenure Milestones & Transition Timeline
Apr 4, 1975Source ↗
Microsoft Founded
Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Aug 24, 1995Source ↗
Windows 95 Launch
Spearheaded the worldwide launch of Windows 95, solidifying personal computer domination.
Jan 13, 2000Source ↗
Appointed Chief Software Architect
Passed CEO role to Steve Ballmer after 24 years and 9 months leading the company.
Related Leaders & Rankings
Same Company
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Same Industry
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Global Benchmark
Compare against all 31 recorded corporate executives in our database.
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