Moshe Dunie
Moshe Dunie | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 14, 1949 Israel |
| Occupation(s) | Business leader, investor, former Microsoft executive |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Vice President of Windows Division at Microsoft (1988–1999) |
Moshe Dunie is an Israeli-born American business leader and investor based in the Greater Seattle region, widely acknowledged for his executive tenure at Microsoft from 1988 until 1999, where he ultimately held the position of Vice President within the Windows Division. He is a member of the Board of Governors at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. Between 2006 and 2009, Dunie served as president of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Seattle chapter and was also part of the AJC National Board, actively collaborating with international political and corporate figures to advance human rights initiatives.
During his time at Microsoft, Dunie was instrumental in overseeing the launches of various Windows NT versions—3.1, 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0—in collaboration with Dave Cutler. As Vice President of the Windows Operating System Division, he led teams responsible for delivering Windows 98 and progressing Windows 2000 through its final beta phase. His leadership encompassed managing a workforce exceeding 3,000 full-time engineers along with 1,500 contractors. Dunie worked closely with Intel, PC manufacturers, software developers, and enterprise customers through programs such as the Rapid Deployment Program and comprehensive beta testing efforts. The Microsoft Israel R&D center and engineering divisions across Europe and Asia operated under his direction as integral parts of the Windows division.
Early career
Born on November 14, 1949, in Israel, Moshe Dunie earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in 1971. He later achieved an MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA from Golden Gate University’s Silicon Valley executive program.
Following his academic pursuits, Dunie spent five years at the Israel Air Force Test Range leading technical teams engaged in developing cutting-edge avionics systems, including Israel’s inaugural Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV), working alongside aviation pioneer Al Ellis.
In 1977, Dunie developed real-time software for submarines at Eljim Ltd. After Elbit acquired Eljim, he transitioned to Astronautics Ltd., where he headed software development for the airborne computer system used in the Israeli IAI Kfir fighter jet and created an advanced tactical computer for General Dynamics’ F-16 fighter employing bit-slice technology.
In 1981, Dunie joined Landis & Gyr Systems in Silicon Valley as a software developer and rapidly advanced to software manager. He was responsible for a microprocessor-based SCADA master station overseeing electrical utility grids. His contributions included designing the real-time operating system, implementing the DDCMP communications protocol, and developing portions of the user interface.
Microsoft
Dunie became part of Microsoft in August 1988 as Project Manager for OS/2. He collaborated with Dave Cutler to establish and lead teams that delivered Windows NT 3.1 on July 26, 1993. While Cutler concentrated on system architecture, Dunie managed release schedules and quality assurance; both reported directly to Executive Vice President Paul Maritz. He continued to oversee subsequent releases: Windows NT 3.5 (1994), NT 3.51 (1995), and NT 4.0 (1996), working alongside Cutler under Jim Allchin’s leadership.
On July 26, 1996, Dunie was elevated to Vice President and by September 16 of that year assumed comprehensive responsibility for all development teams working on Windows NT and Windows 98—becoming Microsoft’s first executive managing both consumer-oriented Windows 9x and enterprise-targeted Windows NT groups simultaneously. Following Windows 98’s launch, he merged its team into the Windows NT 5 unit and directed development from design through to Beta release of Windows 2000 in December 1998.
Dunie also spearheaded the NetPC initiative with Intel aimed at lowering IT support expenses for businesses via hardware-software standardization. Furthermore, he oversaw deliveries from Microsoft Israel Development Center including Microsoft Proxy Server, Windows NT Embedded, Windows Message Queue, and Windows Terminal Server.
He concluded his role within the Windows Development organization at the end of 1998 after successfully shipping ten major products. Jim Allchin commended Dunie’s commitment and leadership in strengthening Microsoft’s Windows portfolio. After taking a sabbatical, Dunie engaged with strategic clients on Windows 2000 before retiring on October 8 to dedicate more time to family matters.
American Jewish Committee
Dunie became involved with AJC Seattle in 2002 and contributed four years as a co-chair for the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. From 2006 to 2009, he was elected president of the American Jewish Committee's Seattle chapter and held a position on the AJC National Board. In these capacities, Dunie worked alongside international dignitaries, ambassadors, and leaders from both community and business sectors to support Jewish welfare and promote global human rights. Additionally, he penned articles advocating for peace in Israel by confronting extremist factions that jeopardize regional security.
On Going - Technion & Investments
Moshe Dunie is a member of the Board of Governors at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, and holds the title of Chairman Emeritus for the American Technion Society in Seattle.
He actively invests in both emerging startups and established high-tech firms while offering strategic advice to CEOs and executives within the startup ecosystem.