Instead, the special committee is chaired by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s lead independent director, John Thompson. Chairman and industry legend Bill Gates is on the team, alongside the chairs of the audit and compensation committees. And if you thought this crack team would look only at internal promotion candidates, headhunter firm Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSII ) is there to vet the field of outsider candidates. It's a high-profile contract for Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (NASDAQ:HSII), but the stock fell 0.7% today anyhow.