Booting programme: Gates steps down as Microsoft chairman, Nadella named new CEO
Gates "will devote more time to the company" in his new role as "founder and technology advisory".
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.
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.