REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 14, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today held its annual shareholder meeting, where Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer discussed the company’s opportunities for growth and innovation across multiple core businesses.
As a part of the company’s presentation, Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, outlined the company’s vision for software innovation in the Live era and demonstrated some of the software advancements available in Windows Live™ services and the new Zune™ digital music player and online service. The company also highlighted the upcoming launches of Windows Vista™, the 2007 Microsoft® Office system and Exchange Server 2007.
“This wave of products will mark the beginning of a new era in productivity, innovation and creativity for our customers, both at work and at home,” Ballmer said. “By creating tremendous value for customers, these products position Microsoft for near-term success and enable us to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.”
At the annual shareholder meeting, the following proposals were acted upon by the company’s shareholders.
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Elected nine directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders
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Ratified the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s independent auditor for fiscal year 2007
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Voted down three shareholder proposals
All actions were taken with a vote of over 97 percent.
Microsoft’s board of directors consists of William H. Gates, Microsoft chairman; Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft chief executive officer; James I. Cash Jr., Ph.D., former James E. Robison professor of business administration at Harvard Business School; Dina Dublon, former chief financial officer of JPMorgan Chase; Raymond V. Gilmartin, former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck & Co. Inc.; David F. Marquardt, general partner at August Capital; Charles H. Noski, former vice chairman of AT&T Corp.; Dr. Helmut Panke, former chairman of the board of management at BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG; and Jon A. Shirley, former president and chief operating officer of Microsoft. Seven of the nine board members are independent, consistent with the requirement in the company’s governance guidelines that a majority be independent.
The board has five committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Finance Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, and an Antitrust Compliance Committee. With the retirement of Ann McLaughlin Korologos from the Microsoft board, Dina Dublon will serve as chair of the Compensation Committee, and Dr. Helmut Panke will serve on the Antitrust Compliance Committee. All other committee memberships remain the same.
Event Images
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (R) pauses for a laugh with Chairman Bill Gates at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 14, 2006.
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaking at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 14, 2006.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer outlines Microsoft’s forthcoming wave of products and services at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 14, 2006.
Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Christopher Liddell addresses the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 14, 2006.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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