Trial News

Todd Pierce had a successful career in the biotechnology and information technology (IT) fields. While working for a software company in the San Francisco Bay area, he was contacted by a then-consultant to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further discussions over several months led to an offer to become the foundation’s chief digital officer, a position that Pierce believed to encompass traditional IT management functions as well as outward facing leadership opportunities, including using digital technology to further the foundation’s mission. After leaving the software company and moving to Seattle to work at the foundation, Pierce encountered opposition to his initiatives, including a reorganization of the IT department. His supposed job function was never integrated into the foundation’s existing structure, and he was subsequently told to scale back his plans and focus instead on fixing the IT department. Additionally, he was cited for insubordination. Pierce was terminated 18 months into his tenure.

He sued the foundation, alleging breach of contract and promissory estoppel. The plaintiff claimed that the job for which he was recruited never materialized and that he was unable to succeed under the defendant’s structure. The plaintiff argued that he had lost at least $4 million in stock grants and options from his previous position to take the job with the defendant.

The court awarded more than $4.6 million. The defendant has filed a notice of appeal.

Citation: Pierce v. Bill & Melinda Gates Found., No. 17-2-09940-6SEA (Wash. Super. Ct. King Cnty. Oct. 29, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Rebecca Roe and Lindsay Halm, both of Seattle.