Bill Hilf, the CEO of Vale Group (formerly known as Vulcan Inc.) is stepping down after more than seven years. The company, established by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and now headed by Jody Allen, will not be replacing Hilf as CEO following his departure at the end of May. The current leadership team will handle day-to-day operations, reporting directly to Jody Allen. The organization, which once employed over 800 people, now has about 140 employees due to divestitures and spin-offs after Paul Allen’s death in 2018.
Hilf stated that he and Jody Allen had been discussing a leadership transition for some time. He emphasized that the leadership team is stable and capable, making the organization well-positioned for the future. Following his departure, Hilf plans to continue his involvement in various Seattle-area initiatives, including serving as board chair of the Allen Institute for AI. He will also spend more time with his family in Montana and focus on personal and charitable interests, recently being named chair of the national board of directors of American Prairie, a conservation organization based in Montana.
With experience at companies like Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Hilf joined Vulcan in 2016 and served as CEO for about two years before Paul Allen’s passing in 2018. Since Allen’s death, much of the organization’s focus has been on managing and disposing of Allen’s projects, investments, and assets. This includes entities like h.Club LA and London, Stratolaunch, Vulcan Productions, and the Cinerama theater in Seattle, now known as SIFF Cinema. Notably, the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers are owned directly by the Paul Allen Estate and are overseen separately by Jody Allen.
Despite the changes in leadership, Hilf expressed confidence that Paul Allen’s philanthropic vision will continue to thrive. He highlighted the impact of Allen’s philanthropic efforts in various areas such as the Allen Institute and AI2, where breakthroughs in science and technology are being made. Hilf believes that Allen’s legacy will have a lasting impact for decades to come, both in Seattle and beyond. His departure marks a new chapter for Vale Group, as it looks to build upon the foundation set by Paul Allen and continue his legacy of innovation and philanthropy.
