Rick Belluzzo has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Redmond-based Microsoft. Chief Operating Officer Bob Herbold has decided to retire. He will continue to serve in a part-time capacity representing the company in industry, government and customer activities.

Prior to joining Microsoft in September 1999, Belluzzo was CEO of Silicon Graphics Inc., and before that, executive vice president of Hewlett-Packard Co., with responsibility for HP's printer, personal computer, and computer systems and services businesses.

Deborah Willingham has been promoted to senior vice president for Human Resources at Microsoft. Willingham joined Microsoft in 1993, and has more than 22 years of experience in the computer industry. Before assuming her current role, she served as vice president of Windows Division Marketing, which was responsible for the launch of the Windows 2000 family of products.

John Connors, senior vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer, is assuming responsibility for Microsoft's Information Technology Group and for manufacturing/licensing operations in addition to his existing responsibilities.