Microsoft Corp has finally closed the chapter in its bid for a new CEO just hours ago, picking Satya Nadella from, as many sources correctly pointed out in the build-up to this announcement, within the company. Previously holding the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise Group, Satya starts immediately in his new role and his first task is to “ruthlessly remove any obstacles that stand in the way of innovation. I want to put all our innovative focus on things that Microsoft can uniquely do. We push for ideas that allow people to do and play more. In fact, we do reference ourselves as a “do more!” company.”
He knows that in this world obsessed with Cloud and mobility, where everything is becoming digital and software driven. “It’s a great time to be in a role to help people become unbounded and provide them with the ability to do more and quickly achieve what they want to do with their lives,” Satya notes.
First interview as Microsoft CEO:
The new CEO receives the full support of Bill Gates, Founder and newly appointed Technology Advisor for the Board of Directors of Microsoft, had this to say: “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya. He is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. It is this vision of how technology will be used and experienced around the world is what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth.”
Gates, in his new role, has stepped down as Chairman of the Board and has plans to dedicate more time to meet with product groups as he expects a fun and eventful time to define the new and upcoming products that are set to roll out for 2014 onwards.
Gates’ comment on the new CEO:
Outgoing CEO, Steve Ballmer, also commends Satya for his new role, saying: “I have absolutely no doubt Microsoft is in good hands, with Satya and the rest of the senior leadership team that is in place. We have so many strong leaders… the future of Microsoft is incredibly bright.”
Stephen Elop, who had been instrumental in the Nokia devices buyout and one that many had expected to take the reigns of the software giant, is still set to rejoin Microsoft once the acquisition and merger process is completed as he takes on the role of leading an expanded devices team that includes Surface, Windows Phones, and Xbox.
The new CEO has a big pair of shoes to fill in as picks up from where Ballmer stopped and is expected to continue running the race at top speed.
“Our industry does not respect tradition – it only respects innovation,” he says. “The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must move faster, focus and continue to transform. I see a big part of my job as accelerating our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly. I am definitely humbled, honoured…and excited to be appointed in this role.”
