Microsoft Names Satya Nadella as CEO – India Real Time – WSJ

Microsoft Corp. has named company veteran Satya Nadella as its next chief executive, an appointment that comes as the software giant faces competition across all fronts of its business.

The company also said founder Bill Gates, who previously was chairman, moves to a new role on the board as technology adviser and will devote more time to the company, supporting Mr. Nadella in shaping technology and product direction. John Thompson, who was formerly the lead director, will become chairman.

Mr. Nadella’s naming to the post, effective immediately, makes him the third CEO since the Redmond, Wash., company was founded in 1975. He succeeds Steve Ballmer, who in August announced his plans to retire. Mr. Ballmer was originally handed the reins in 2000 when founder and college friend Bill Gates stepped aside after 25 years.

The appointment of Mr. Nadella, who is 46 years old and leads the Microsoft division that makes technology to run corporate computer servers and other back-end technology, will be considered a safe choice. He has signaled a desire for continuity, telling directors that, as CEO, he hopes to lean on Mr. Gates, according to several people familiar with the matter. Little in Mr. Nadella’s public history at Microsoft suggests he will break from the company’s pattern as a fast follower, rather than a trend setter.

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