Former Microsoft executive tapped by White House to run HealthCare.gov site

Kurt DelBene, a former Microsoft executive, has been named senior advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and will lead and manage HealthCare.gov, the federal government’s health insurance website, in his new role.

DelBene recently retired from Microsoft after two decades of leading large, technical teams at the company, including being president of the Microsoft Business Division, general manager of Microsoft Outlook and group manager of Microsoft Exchange.

“Kurt is a talented and capable executive, with a track record of successfully managing complex large-scale technology projects,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and chairman. “Working with Kurt over many years, I know him to be a passionate advocate for using technology to solve difficult problems at scale.  He brings deep expertise as a manager and engineer to his new responsibilities. I’m certain he’ll make an important positive contribution in his new role with HHS.”

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer called DelBene a “phenomenal leader who established Microsoft Office as a world-class service for billions of people. Clearly, Kurt’s technical and business skills will be invaluable in his new endeavor.”

DelBene was president of Microsoft’s Office Division in July 2013, when he announced he would retire from Microsoft at the end of this year. After his announcement, he transitioned into a short-term role as special advisor to Qi Lu, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Applications and Services Group.

DelBene will see the HealthCare.gov project through its next important phase as the content management system team continues build on its initial progress, and he has agreed to serve in this role for at least the first half of next year.

Suzanne Choney
Microsoft News Center Staff