Microsoft's New CEO Revealed, Gates' Role Changed

Microsoft has revealed its new CEO is Satya Nadella, who currently holds the position of Microsoft's head of Cloud and Enterprise.

Nadella, who's department currently builds and runs the company's computing platforms and developer tools, is set to replace Steve Ballmer, who revealed last August he'd retire within 12 months.

Nadella and Ballmer aren't the only two individuals changing positions, however. Microsoft also announced that Bill Gates will be stepping down as chairman, and will instead take up the new role of founder and technology advisor. He will remain on the Board of Directors however, with lead independent director John Thompson taking on the role of chairman. Thompson was the one leading the search committees for the new CEO.

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Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together.

Nadella is Microsoft's third CEO. The executive was born in India in 1967, but joined the company in 1992 with degrees in electronics, computer science and business administration. In his role as head of Cloud and Enterprise, he played a key role developing Microsoft's Cloud OS service, which powers popular products including Skype and Xbox Live.

Gates, who founded the company back in 1975, said in a statement: "During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella. 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."

Nadella added, "Microsoft is one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionised the world through technology, and I couldn't be more honored to have been chosen to lead the company. The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly."

Some critics have pointed out that Nadella's lack of experience running a company may prove a hindrance but, for others, a change of leader is just what's been needed at Microsoft for some time.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter.

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