Tag: CEO

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Microsoft CEO: Satya Nadella

Microsoft has named Satya Nadella as their new CEO, the successor to outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer.

From Microsoft Press Release:

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 4, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Satya Nadella as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors effective immediately. Nadella previously held the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

In addition to having a new CEO, Microsoft also announces:

Microsoft also announced that Bill Gates, previously Chairman of the Board of Directors, will assume a new role on the Board as Founder and Technology Advisor, and will devote more time to the company, supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction. John Thompson, lead independent director for the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors and remain an independent director on the Board.

Congratulations are in order along with good luck wishes.

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The Right Person as Microsoft CEO

Recent chatters within the Tech Press suggest that Microsoft is close to name the successor to Steve Balmer as Microsoft CEO.

Kara Swisher from Re/code wrote:

And, at this moment, those who have watched the process think that insider Satya Nadella, who is currently leading its enterprise effort, is the likeliest internal candidate to prevail.

That’s due to a number of reasons, including his familiarity with the company, where he has spent much of his career, as well as a strong technical background and a varied work history at Microsoft.

Considering that Nadella was heavily involved with loss-leader division within Microsoft, namely Bing, not sure if Nadella is the right candidate.

The-hunt-for-next-Microsoft-CEO

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Steve Ballmer to Retire as Microsoft CEO

The news broke in the morning of Friday August 23, 2013 that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has decided to retire within the next 12 months.

From Ballmer’s internal email:

I am writing to let you know that I will retire as CEO of Microsoft within the next 12 months, after a successor is chosen. There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our transformation to a devices and services company focused on empowering customers in the activities they value most. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction.

It is also clear that Microsoft at this point does not have a succesion plan.

From Microsoft Press Release:

The Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process. This committee is chaired by John Thompson, the board’s lead independent director, and includes Chairman of the Board Bill Gates, Chairman of the Audit Committee Chuck Noski and Chairman of the Compensation Committee Steve Luczo. The special committee is working with Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., a leading executive recruiting firm, and will consider both external and internal candidates.

So, who would be the next Microsoft CEO? Let’s the speculation begin!

Under Ballmer’s helm, Microsoft has been a generally profitable company with some notable exceptions such as the first few years of XBox project and Surface RT. Notably, Microsoft is actually making profit off Android.

In addition to that, Ballmer had failed to see the competitive threat from Apple.

Steve Ballmer to Retire ftom being Microsoft CEO

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Google: Page up, Schmidt somewhere else.

In a blog post, Eric Schmidt revealed the changes in Google’s top management starting April 4th, 2011. Google co-founder Larry Page will be taking over the role as CEO while Schmidt will be the “Executive Chairman” of the company.

What does the title “Executive Chairman” really mean?

As Executive Chairman, I will focus wherever I can add the greatest value: externally, on the deals, partnerships, customers and broader business relationships, government outreach and technology thought leadership that are increasingly important given Google’s global reach; and internally as an advisor to Larry and Sergey.

Is it like having President and Prime Minister for the Country?
Is it like the Britain?

What changes would Larry Page brings to Google as CEO?