Nadella is only the third CEO in Microsoft's history. PHOTO: FILE
WASHINGTON: Microsoft said Tuesday founder Bill Gates would step down as chairman and assume a new role as "founder and technology advisory" as insider Satya Nadella was named chief executive.
Gates "will devote more time to the company" in his new role as the tech giant moves to transform itself amid a changing landscape in the world of computing, the company said.
India-born Satya Nadella has been announced as Microsoft’s next chief executive officer, ending a longer-than-expected search for a new leader after Steve Ballmer announced his intention to retire in August.
Nadella is only the third CEO in Microsoft's 39-year history, following co-founder Bill Gates and Ballmer.
“Our industry does not respect tradition - it only respects innovation,” Nadella says. “The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must move faster, focus and continue to transform. I see a big part of my job as accelerating our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly.”
Microsoft also announced that John Thompson, lead independent director, will succeed Gates as chairman. Gates will assume a new role as "technology advisor," the company said in a statement.
Shares of the world's largest software maker edged higher in premarket trading.
COMMENTS (22)
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@Raja:
Dear Indians, Though it's surprising to see your majority on Pakistani new site (it shows how desperate you are to know about pakistan), Nadella is an American and it's not surprising to see him as next CEO of microsoft. But Microsoft was founded by Gates, this would surely be the end of microsoft. Also, don't forget that pakistan holds world records for most no. of A's in A levels and O levels in cambridge examinations, no indian was able to do that. And those pakistani's aren't even U.S citizens.
Congratulations all INDIANS !
And also it is a very landmark event for the whole of South-East Asia.
@Arrow:
So?
What was wrong with being a Doctor? He went to the US and became CEO of Microsoft instead....
Just kidding CONGRATULATIONS to Satya - I am sure Microsoft will again take the first position under his leadership!
All the Indians cheering do realize that this guy renounced his Indian citizenship for an American one.
Beginning of the end for Microsoft.
Humbleness is seriously lacking in us Indians. Instead of just rejoicing that our countrymen makes to the top of a global brand, some of us are busy in negative commenting. Even if Indian and Pakistanis let go of this constant negative and pompous comments it would be a great start. Congrats Nadella, your achievement is of your own.
It was not long ago when Indians ruled in every field. But because of some people, Britishers came and did "Divide and rule" policy. Now we are beating in their own game. Just goes to show what rich race we are. And I include my Pakistani friends also.This exactly why many scholars in India told our brothers in Pakistan that 2 Nation theory will never work. Today people like Nadella who have not come from IIT/IIM are doing so well. This shows whether we have great facility like Harvard or MIT or not we are bound to be successful. Now sundar Pichai will become CEO for google.
Why pakistani's are not present any of the top positions in the world ?
Very proud to be an Indian.Now Microsoft can pump much more investment to indian market..
No big deal , our Pakistani hackers hacked 2000 Indian websites for Kashmir cause there by helping us in getting Kashmir.
@Anand: Haha True that There are countless IT Multi-National organisations (MNOs) operating across the length and breadth of Pakistan. It just comes naturally to our negihbours... Such untapped potential... lol
Wow! He did his BE from Manipal Institute of Technology in Mangalore. Shows that Indian education system is also the best in the world.
I will like to congrats mah Indian brothers...it is not only Proud Moment for India but for whole Asia..
Good, Indian are able to compete with west. Proud to be INDIAN
@Rahul,
IT(of the other kind) is also in pakistani genes.
@Rahul: YAWN.... we better get used to such news.... happens now and then :)
Almost makes me want to try out Internet Explorer.
Indians are able to compete with western and achieve greater heights. Proud to be INDIAN