Jeff Raikes, 'godfather of Microsoft Office,' retiring after
Seattle PI | at | by Mike
One of Microsoft's top executives, a key figure in the evolution of its business strategy, surprised the industry Thursday by announcing plans to retire from the company this year.
Jeff Raikes, 49, is credited with helping to build the Microsoft Office productivity suite and related programs into a multibillion-dollar product line. He will leave as Microsoft Business Division president in September after 27 years with the company.
"Very few people have contributed more to Microsoft than Jeff," said Steve Ballmer, the company's chief executive, in a message to employees announcing Raikes' retirement plans.