Paul Allen to Take on New Role As Senior Strategy Adviser to Microsoft Board

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 28, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Paul Allen is assuming a new role as senior strategy adviser to top Microsoft executives. The company also announced that Allen and Richard Hackborn have decided not to seek re-election to Microsoft’s board of directors at the company’s November shareholder meeting.

“Paul and I have an amazing friendship that extends back over 30 years,”
said Bill Gates, chairman of the Microsoft board of directors.
“He was instrumental in the creation of Microsoft, and he has played an important role in the success and direction of our company through the years. I will continue to value his friendship and counsel in the years ahead.”

“Being an active board member for a dynamic and successful company such as Microsoft is a time-intensive role and one I have enjoyed for many years,”
Allen said.
“However, this new role will enable me to spend my time on technology and products, where I can really make a significant contribution.”

“Both Paul and Dick have made important contributions to the Microsoft board,”
said Gates.
“We are grateful for their insight and guidance over the years, but we also understand their desire to focus their limited time on other projects.”

Allen, chairman of Vulcan Ventures Inc., owns or has invested in more than 140 new media, entertainment and technology companies. He gives back to the community through his six charitable foundations and is involved in a wide range of civic activities, including founding the Experience Music Project in Seattle, and owning the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise and the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise.

Hackborn’s resignation from the board is prompted by his desire to spend more time on personal and philanthropic pursuits. Hackborn, 63, has served on the Microsoft board since 1994. He stepped down as chairman of the board of Hewlett-Packard Co. last week, but will remain on the Hewlett-Packard board. He retired from Hewlett-Packard in 1993 as the executive vice president of the Computer Products Organization.

Gates said Hackborn’s experience and understanding of the industry were invaluable as Microsoft negotiated its way through the evolution of the Internet in the 1990s.

The Microsoft board of directors does not have immediate plans to nominate additional board members.

The Microsoft board of directors includes Steven Ballmer, president and CEO of Microsoft; Gates; David Marquardt, general partner, August Capital; Ann McLaughlin, chairman emeritus of The Aspen Institute and senior adviser, Benedetto and Gartland & Company Inc.; W.G. Reed, Jr., chairman of the board, Simpson Investment Company (retired); and Jon Shirley, president and chief operating officer, Microsoft (retired).

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