GBAF Logo
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman to step down from Microsoft's board - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman to step down from Microsoft's board

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 5, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 5, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Finance Markets technology

LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman to Exit Microsoft Board Following 2026 Shareholder Meeting

Reid Hoffman's Departure from Microsoft Board

Announcement and Details of Departure

June 5 (Reuters) - Reid Hoffman, billionaire co-founder of networking website LinkedIn, has decided not to stand for re-election to Microsoft's board of directors at its 2026 annual shareholder meeting, the software giant said in a filing on Friday.

Hoffman, who has served on the board since 2017, will stay on till the meeting. His decision was not a result of any disagreement with executives on any matter relating to policy or operations, Microsoft said.

LinkedIn Acquisition and Growth

Microsoft's Largest-Ever Deal

In 2016, he sold LinkedIn to Microsoft for $26.2 billion in what was at the time the tech giant's largest-ever deal. The social networking platform has grown to over 1.3 billion members since.

Hoffman's Other Ventures and Investments

Inflection AI Co-Founding

Hoffman co-founded Inflection AI alongside Mustafa Suleyman in 2022 in an attempt to get ahead in the rapidly growing sector.

Key Investments

Airbnb

He also led investment in Airbnb's Series A financing round in 2010 and backed autonomous driving company Aurora through venture capital firm Greylock Partners in 2018.

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)

Key Takeaways

  • Hoffman joined Microsoft’s board following its acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016 and has served since March 2017
  • The decision to step down was voluntary; Microsoft confirmed there was no conflict or disagreement behind it
  • Under Microsoft, LinkedIn has expanded to approximately 1.3 billion members by early 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Reid Hoffman stepping down from Microsoft's board?
Reid Hoffman decided not to stand for re-election at Microsoft's 2026 annual shareholder meeting and is stepping down for personal reasons, not due to disagreements with company policies or operations.
How long has Reid Hoffman served on Microsoft's board?
Reid Hoffman has served on Microsoft's board since 2017 and will remain until the 2026 annual shareholder meeting.
Was Reid Hoffman's decision influenced by disagreements with Microsoft?
No, Microsoft stated that Hoffman's decision to step down was not related to any disagreements on policies or operations.
What other ventures is Reid Hoffman involved in?
Reid Hoffman co-founded Inflection AI in 2022, led investments in Airbnb and Aurora, and works with Greylock Partners.
How is LinkedIn connected to Microsoft?
Microsoft acquired LinkedIn from Reid Hoffman for $26.2 billion in 2016, and the platform now has over 1.3 billion members.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Analysis-Global oil inventories depleted, next price spike could roil economies, markets

Analysis-Global oil inventories depleted, next price spike could roil economies, markets

Image for Factbox-Who is aboard the International Space Station during the air leak?

Factbox-Who is aboard the International Space Station during the air leak?

Image for Airbus in limbo over early launch of larger A220, sources say

Airbus in limbo over early launch of larger A220, sources say

Image for Commerzbank says UniCredit tender acceptances reach 7.85% in bid battle

Commerzbank says UniCredit tender acceptances reach 7.85% in bid battle

Image for EU weighs rules to cut reliance on China through broader supply chains

EU weighs rules to cut reliance on China through broader supply chains

Image for Putin says he currently sees no reason to meet Ukraine's Zelenskiy

Putin says he currently sees no reason to meet Ukraine's Zelenskiy

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category

Image for WHO launches $518 million plan to curb Africa Ebola outbreak
WHO launches $518 million plan to curb Africa Ebola outbreak
Image for Russia plans to launch its smaller version of Starlink next year
Russia plans to launch its smaller version of Starlink next year
Image for Two leaks detected on International Space Station, Russian space agency says
Two leaks detected on International Space Station, Russian space agency says
Image for Embraer takes off after Azorra deal lifts E2 program past 500 orders 
Embraer takes off after Azorra deal lifts E2 program past 500 orders 
Image for Romanians convicted of stabbing journalist in UK, prosecutors say they acted for Iran
Romanians convicted of stabbing journalist in UK, prosecutors say they acted for Iran
Image for Hard to give rate guidance due to oil price uncertainty, BoE's Dhingra says
Hard to give rate guidance due to oil price uncertainty, BoE's Dhingra says
Image for Finland says four people suspected in subsea cable breach
Finland says four people suspected in subsea cable breach
Image for Private credit roundup: Private equity catches the cold
Private credit roundup: Private equity catches the cold
Image for International Space Station astronauts in evacuation mode as Russia attempts to fix widening air leak
International Space Station astronauts in evacuation mode as Russia attempts to fix widening air leak
Image for Norway rejects US claim on forced labour, opposes tariffs
Norway rejects US claim on forced labour, opposes tariffs
Image for Analysis-Turkey targets more defence sales as West rearms, alliances shift
Analysis-Turkey targets more defence sales as West rearms, alliances shift
Image for Greece to tax gains from crypto, sources say
Greece to tax gains from crypto, sources say
View All Finance Posts