Doug Burgum was today named to the newly created post of chairman of Microsoft Business Solutions.
He had previously served as senior vice president of MBS.
The appointment was announced from Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Wash., by Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division.
Burgum, based in Fargo, had been senior vice president of MBS since 2001, when Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software.
Burgum had been president and CEO of Great Plains for 18 years, after he and a group of investors purchased the software company in 1984.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I'm pleased to have this opportunity to be named to the new position," said Burgum, who will continue to be located in Fargo. "It's not a farewell. I'm excited to have an opportunity to work on a fresh set of external market challenges."
His new responsibilities will include internal coaching and mentoring, driving cross-company collaboration of business applications and working with MBS prospects, customers and partners throughout the world.
A public search has begun for Burgum's replacement as senior vice president of Microsoft Business Solutions.
Burgum and his eventual replacement will both report to Raikes.
