Mitch Kapor comments on Philip Rosedale

Most followers of Metanomics probably know that Philip Rosedale has stepped down from his position as CEO of Linden Lab. .

Mitch Kapor, who is the current Chairman of the Board of Linden Lab, was in Second Life to give a keynote speech as part of UBM Think Service's Life 2.0 conference. That gave me a chance to ask the following during the Q&A session:

Do you have any comments on the change in Philip Rosedale's position, and your stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Directors? Along similar lines, what can you say about Linden Lab's short-term and long-term strategic plans?

Mitch's response was largely what you might expect. Here is my attempt at paraphrasing:

When the company started nine years ago (and I started seven years ago), we knew is was likely to be a long-term undertaking to realize the underlying vision Philip had. It is very unusual for the person who is the founder and visionary to remain the CEO forever. (Bill Gates is an exception). At some point the demands of running the ongoing business become a position very different from the that needs to be played by a visionary founder and spiritual heart of the company

That said, this is Philip's life's work, he intends to stay and contribute. Finding a CEO is a bit like a marriage you want to find someone where there is trust and complementarity. I will no longer be Chairman of the Board, but I will remain just as actively involved as ever.

Mitch declined to comment on the short-term and long-term strategy of the firm, leaving that to Philip and the other members of the management team. However, he closed with this rather tantalizing comment:

Keep your seatbelts fastened, because it is going to be exciting!

Hmmmm......

He also left us with this gem:

A company like Linden Lab faces insurmountable opportunities.