Guido wrote the original implementation of Python in 1989, and after nearly 20 years of leading the community, has decided to step aside as its Benevolent Dictator For Life. His official title is now Benevolent Dictator Emeritus Vacationing Indefinitely from the Language (BDEVIL). Guido leaves Python in the good hands of its new leader and its vibrant community, in order to train for his lifelong dream of climbing Mount Everest.

After unanimous vote of the Python Steering Union (not to be confused with the Python Secret Underground, which emphatically does not exist) at the 2009 Python Conference (PyCon 2009), Guido's successor has been chosen: Barry Warsaw, or as he is affectionately known, Uncle Barry. Uncle Barry's official title is Friendly Language Uncle For Life (FLUFL).