05 February,2014 01:23 AM IST | | Agencies
Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella has been named Microsoft’s new CEO; Bill Gates steps down as chairman of board, will take on the role of technology advisor
Seattle: Microsoft has officially named cloud-computing executive Satya Nadella as its new CEO. Nadella, who has spent 22 years at the firm and was previously in charge of the tech giant's cloud software and services division, will replace exiting CEO Steve Ballmer.
Company founder Bill Gates is leaving his role as chairman to become technology adviser, and board member John Thompson will take his place.
"Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together," Gates said in a statement.
"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."
Apart from watching Test cricket, Nadella finds relaxation in reading poetry, in all forms and by poets who are both Indian and American.
Upon his appointment, Nadella, sent out an e-mail to all Microsoft employees.
In his mail, he said he wants to âchange the world through technology that empowers people to do amazing things'.
His message to the employees included a rallying call, saying the folks at Microsoft are âthe only ones who can harness the power of software and deliver it through devices and services that truly empower every individual and every organisation'.
He urged them to âbelieve in the impossible and remove the improbable'.
Excerpts from the Mail he sent
>> Today is a very humbling day for me. It reminds me of my very first day at Microsoft, 22 years ago... I came here because I believed Microsoft was the best company in the world. I saw then how clearly we empower people to do magical things with our creations and ultimately make the world a better place. I knew there was no better company to join if I wanted to make a difference. This is the very same inspiration that continues to drive me today.
>> I am here for the same reason I think most people join Microsoft - to change the world through technology that empowers people to do amazing things.
>> We need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable.
>> I truly believe that each of us must find meaning in our work. The best work happens when you know that it's not just work, but something that will improve other people's lives.
Who is Satya nadella?
>> Satya Nadella has been working for the company for 22 years
>> A cricket enthusiast, Nadella earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Mangalore University
>> Nadella finds relaxation in reading poetry
>> He will become only the third leader in the software giant's 38-year history
