Satya Nadella named CEO of Microsoft

Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO (Photo courtesy of Microsoft)

Microsoft announced on Feb. 4 that Satya Nadella is the company’s new CEO. Nadella, who was born in Hyderabad, India, has been with Microsoft for 22 years. He previously held the position of executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group.

“This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft,” said Nadella. “Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places — as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world.”

Microsoft also announced that Microsoft founder Bill Gates, previously chairman of the board of directors, will assume a new role on the board as founder and technology adviser, and will devote more time to the company, supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction.

“Satya is a proven leader with hardcore engineering skills, business vision, and the ability to bring people together,” said Gates. “His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth.”

Nadella succeeds Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer as the third chief executive of Microsoft.

“Having worked with him for more than 20 years, I know that Satya is the right leader at the right time for Microsoft,” said Ballmer, who announced on Aug. 23, 2013 that he would retire once a successor was named. “I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the most talented employees and senior leadership team in the industry, and I know their passion and hunger for greatness will only grow stronger under Satya’s leadership.”

Debadutta Dash, co-chair of the Washington State India Trade Relations Action Committee, praised the choice of Nadella.

“The decision of choosing Satya Nadella as the CEO of Microsoft is a very smart one for the company,” said Dash. “Besides being a very low-profile technocrat with excellent people skills, he knows the company very well from inside. His appointment as the CEO is not only a matter of celebration for people of color (and changing demographics) in the United States, but also a good news for corporate America looking at India as a rising economic powerhouse on the horizon. It is a win-win for all.”
In a letter introducing himself to Microsoft employees, Nadella said he joined Microsoft “to change the world through technology that empowers people to do amazing things.”

“Many companies aspire to change the world,” Nadella said. “But very few have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that it has all three in abundance. And as the new CEO, I can’t ask for a better foundation.”

Nadella is 46 years old and married with three children. His hobbies include playing cricket and poetry. (end)