Craig Mundie
Chief Research and Strategy Officer
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Craig Mundie is chief research and strategy officer (CRSO) of Microsoft Corp, reporting to CEO Steve Ballmer. Named to his current position in June 2006, Mundie has assumed responsibility for Microsoft’s research and technology incubation efforts, in anticipation of Chairman Bill Gates’ departure from his day-to-day role in July 2008. A member of Microsoft’s Senior Leadership Team, Mundie shares responsibility with Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie for guiding the company’s overall technical direction. He also partners with Senior Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith to guide Microsoft’s intellectual-property and technology-policy efforts.
Mundie previously served as Microsoft’s chief technical officer for advanced strategies and policy. In that role he worked with Gates to develop Microsoft’s global strategies for technical, business and policy issues. As CRSO, he continues to work with government and business leaders around the world, addressing issues such as technology policy, security, privacy, telecommunications regulation, intellectual property and software-procurement standards.
Mundie joined Microsoft in 1992 to create and run the Consumer Platforms Division, which developed non-PC platforms such as the Windows CE operating system; software for the handheld, Pocket and Auto PCs; and early console-gaming products. Mundie also started Microsoft’s digital TV efforts, acquiring and managing its WebTV Networks Inc. subsidiary. In addition, he championed the Trustworthy Computing tenet, which has significantly improved the security of Microsoft’s products by using new software development practices.
Since August 2000, when President Clinton named Mundie to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, he has advised White House staff on issues affecting the security of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. In April 2002, Mundie joined the Task Force on National Security in the Information Age to help develop a strategy for using technology to address new security challenges. Since February 2002, Mundie has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing America’s understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy.
Mundie started his career in 1970, working on operating-system development for the Data General NOVA at Systems Equipment Corporation (SEC) while still studying at the Georgia Tech. SEC was subsequently acquired by Data General Corp., where Mundie went on to develop the INFOS data-management system. In 1977 Mundie moved to Data General’s advanced development facility in Research Triangle Park, N.C., ultimately becoming its director. In 1982, Mundie was one of three co-founders of Alliant Computer Systems Corp., which developed vector-parallel mini-supercomputers. He held a variety of positions at Alliant before becoming CEO. The company shut down in 1992.
Mundie holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in information theory and computer science from Georgia Tech. Mundie enjoys traveling and spending time on his boat. He is married, with one married daughter.
