MBS Leadership Transition

Posted by Mike Snyder on November 30, 2005  |  Comments (0)

Doug Burgum

This news is just over a week old, but we wanted to weigh in with our $0.02.

I'm not sure what Doug's new role really means in the day-to-day operations of Microsoft Dynamics (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions). As a partner we obviously don't interact with him on a daily basis. However, I attended multiple Microsoft events where Doug presented, gave a keynote or handled a Q&A session. I always thought he was extremely sharp, and I'd rank him as one of the best public speakers in all of information technology. I hope Microsoft continues to leverage him in these industry events, because Doug is EXCELLENT at working large crowds. The only Microsoft executive who can compete with Doug Burgum at public speaking excellence is Steve Ballmer. He's fun too!

From Microsoft:

Microsoft today (11/17/05) announced a leadership transition in which Doug Burgum, senior vice president, MBS business group, will assume the newly created role of chairman of Microsoft Business Solutions effective spring 2006.

A Letter from Doug Burgum:

Nearly five years ago, Microsoft entered the business applications category with the acquisition of Great Plains, followed by the acquisition of Navision 15 months later. As the MBS organization nears its five year anniversary, the business is set to continue on its path of accelerated momentum.

We are seeing the rewards of hard work in our YTD numbers – 16% overall growth, 18% increase in software revenue, and 21% growth in license revenue. Microsoft Dynamics, our unified brand for ERP and CRM, has a clear product roadmap. We have strong momentum with the best partner channel in the industry, increased positive field execution and our strongest, most innovative product pipeline ever.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0, Microsoft Dynamics SL 6.5, and Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 have shipped and we are making solid progress towards shipping Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 and Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0. We have successfully launched Office Small Business Accounting and we’re on track for its next release in conjunction with Office 12.

Across all areas: brand, product, channel, field, operations and leadership team itself, I have never been more bullish on the future for Microsoft in business applications. Thanks to each of you for your contributions to our great start to the year.

Given the strength and momentum of our business, this is the right time to initiate a thoughtful and well planned leadership transition. So this week we will begin a formal search for a new business group leader of MBS.  The process will include a full external and internal search. We would expect the new leader to be in place by next spring.

Jeff Raikes and I are committed to finding the right person for this key leadership role.  Our primary focus will be a smooth and thoughtful change of leadership that maintains our business momentum and strengthens the confidence and trust of our partners and customers.

Throughout the search and during the full transition process, I will continue to lead and drive
the MBS business. I will also retain my full accountability for delivering on our FY 06 commitments and FY 06 financial results.

Orlando remains the MBS COO and SMS&P leader, where he will continue to bring his passion for sales, marketing and field execution. The roles of the rest of the MBS SLT are unchanged. Upon the placement of the new MBS BG leader, I will assume a new role as Chairman of Microsoft Business Solutions. 

This new role will allow me to assist in the on-boarding of the new leader and to focus on areas that I am deeply passionate about including evangelizing Microsoft “all up” solutions to business decision makers broadly and working more deeply with industry influencers, MBS prospects, customers, partners and ISVs throughout the world, including in markets where we have limited presence. 

For almost 23 years, including the last five at Microsoft, I have had the opportunity to lead this organization. I am humbled to have served so long in this role, and feel honored and privileged to have worked with such innovative team members and dedicated partners. My inspiration and energy continues to be renewed by seeing the caring, courage and commitment demonstrated each and every day in the great work delivered by you and our partners.

With the foundation for success and growth in place for us and our partners, and with the strong senior leadership team we have in place, I am confident that we will have a successful transition to the next MBS leader.   

Doug