Redmond, Washington - Microsoft has named Satya Nadella, an executive in charge of the company's small, but growing business of delivering software and services over the Internet its new CEO. Company founder Bill Gates is also leaving the chairman role for a new role as technology adviser.
Nadella, who is 46, replaces Steve Ballmer and becomes only the third leader in the software company's 38-year history.
Indian-born Nadella, a 22-year Microsoft veteran, has been an executive in some of the company's fastest-growing and most-profitable businesses, including Office and its server and tools business.
The company says Gates' new role will be as a technology adviser on the board and that he will devote more time to the company. John Thomson will be the company's new chairman.
Sapa-AP