Microsoft announced that James I. Cash Jr., Ph.D., emeritus James E. Robison professor at the Harvard Business School, has decided not to seek re-election to Microsoft’s board of directors at the company’s 2009 shareholder meeting. Cash joined Microsoft board in May 2001, said “This was a difficult decision. I have tremendous respect for my colleagues on the Microsoft board, and I have enjoyed the work we’ve done together over the past eight years”. Cash is "stepping down due to increasing pressure on his time from other professional and personal commitments." Microsoft board’ll have nine members: Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, Dina Dublon, Raymond V. Gilmartin, Reed Hastings, Maria M. Klawe, David F. Marquardt, Charles H. Noski, and Dr. Helmut Panke, according to Microsoft.