Microsoft has just confirmed reports that Satya Nadella will be the company's next CEO, replacing the outgoing Steve Ballmer.
The appointment is effective immediately. As Microsoft's third CEO, he is said to have "the unanimous support of our Board"
Commenting on his new position, Satya says that people and companies, “aspire to change the world. But very few have all the elements required: talent, resources and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that it has all three in abundance.”
Company co-founder, former CEO, and current chairman Bill Gates has been appointed as technology advisor and will step down as chariman of the board. The new role will see him have more active involvement in the running of Microsoft.
Gates said of Satya's appointment:
“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadell. Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. 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.”
Satya was in charge of Microsoft’s Server and Tools Business and it's not yet clear how the company's Xbox division will be affected by his appointment as CEO.
He has worked at Microsoft since 1992 and was born in Hyderabad, India in 1967.