Microsoft's new CEO: Satya Nadella - First Look

By Edward Jones

On Feb. 04, 2014, Microsoft ushered in a new era announcing Satya Nadella as CEO. Nadella was selected by the Board of Directors, and assumes responsibility with immediate effect. A 22 year veteran of Microsoft, Nadella steps up from the position of Executive Vice President overseeing Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group.

In his time with the company, Nadella has been the catalyst for major strategy and technical shifts across the organisation. Most notable amongst his achievements was the decision to transition Microsoft into the cloud, overseeing the development of one of the worlds largest cloud infrastructures. Foremost in his vision for Microsoft's future development is the desire to innovate, reflected upon in his email to employees on his first day in charge. Nadella says:

"Our industry does not respect tradition — it only respects innovation. This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft. Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places — as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world."

To stay relevant in an ever changing environment, innovation will be the key Microsofts success, and forms the core of Microsoft's announcement. 

Alongside Nadella's appointment, Microsoft have announced Bill Gates is to step into a new role as Founder and Technology Advisor. It is reported that Gates will devote more time to the company and is there to support Nadella in shaping technology and product direction. 

On the new CEO, Gates  had this to say:

“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.”

Find out more about Satya Nadella in his first interview as CEO in the following video:

Here's more from Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer on the appointment.

About the Author

As part of Firebrand's global marketing team, Edward actively works to serve the IT community with news, reviews and technical how to guides. Working in the Industry for almost 3 years years, Edward has a wide variety of experience with Microsoft Technologies including SharePoint and Windows Server and Exchange Server. Edward is an active member of the IT community contributing to a variety of tech publications including Microsoft TechNet, Channel Pro and PC Advisor among others.