Gates Vetoes CFO’s Bid to Run Road Runner

Microsoft Corp. nixed a move by Chief Financial Officer Greg Maffei to run Road Runner, an Internet service provider that is 10%-owned by the No. 1 software maker, prompting leading analysts to say he may leave the world’s largest software maker. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates exercised his veto right over Road Runner’s selection of a chief executive, a spokeswoman said. Road Runner declined to comment, as did Maffei. Maffei has run the finances of the world’s biggest company for two years. His accomplishments and negotiating skills attracted Road Runner’s interest, and other companies may pursue him as chief executive, analysts said. Maffei’s departure would be a blow to the software powerhouse. “He’s literally worth billions to the company,” said Rob Enderle, a senior analyst at Giga Information Group, noting that Maffei is widely respected among analysts and investors. Maffei may be an attractive candidate for Compaq Computer, which is looking for a CEO after the ouster of Eckhard Pfeiffer, Enderle said. Compaq wasn’t immediately available to comment. Road Runner is a joint venture of Microsoft, MediaOne, Time Warner Inc., Compaq and closely held Advance/Newhouse. Shares of Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft rose $1.06 to close at $86 on Nasdaq.