Microsoft names CEO Satya Nadella chairman of the board

Posted:
in General Discussion edited June 2021
Microsoft's Satya Nadella will add chairman of the board on top of his role as CEO, taking the roll over from Symantec's John Thompson.

Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella


Seven years after becoming CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella is now to additionally take on the role of chair of the board. It follows a reportedly unanimous vote by the current board, until now led by independent board member John Thompson of Symantec.

"In this role, Nadella will lead the work to set the agenda for the board," said Microsoft in a statement, "leveraging his deep understanding of the business to elevate the right strategic opportunities and identify key risks and mitigation approaches for the board's review."

Although stepping down as chair, Thompson will continue to be involved with Microsoft and the board.

"As lead independent director," continues Microsoft, "Thompson will retain significant authority including providing input on behalf of the independent directors on board agendas, calling meetings of the independent directors, setting agendas for executive sessions, and leading performance evaluations of the CEO."

Thompson reportedly led the CEO search that led to Nadella being appointed to succeed Steve Ballmer. At the same time, Ballmer stepped down from being chair of the board and was succeeded by Thompson.

The only other previous Microsoft board chair was Bill Gates, who had the role from 1975 to 2000.

Separately, Nadella was most recently reported to be unveiling the "next generation of Windows" at a presentation on June 24, 2021.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    hydrogenhydrogen Posts: 314member
    I can read on his face all the joy of being at the top of this company ......
    Beats
  • Reply 2 of 8
    larryjwlarryjw Posts: 1,031member
    Nadella has been the best hire MS ever made. He is to Microsoft what Tim Cook is to Apple. 
    CloudTalkindewmeanantksundaram
  • Reply 3 of 8
    Bad corporate governance. Ideally companies have strong, engaged, informed boards with an independent chair to hold the CEO accountable and provide strategic oversight. It’s a shame the board copped out and couldn’t be bothered to find a great (independent) board chair. 
    ronn
  • Reply 4 of 8
    williamlondonwilliamlondon Posts: 1,324member
    Bad corporate governance. Ideally companies have strong, engaged, informed boards with an independent chair to hold the CEO accountable and provide strategic oversight. It’s a shame the board copped out and couldn’t be bothered to find a great (independent) board chair. 
    When they hired Nadella, weren't they initially looking external to the company? Seems then as now their decisions tend to support a more insular perspective, rather than (as you so rightly point out) having an independent board chair to provide some balance.
  • Reply 5 of 8
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    larryjw said:
    Nadella has been the best hire MS ever made. He is to Microsoft what Tim Cook is to Apple. 
    He’s not THAT good.
    williamlondon
  • Reply 6 of 8
    Beats said:
    larryjw said:
    Nadella has been the best hire MS ever made. He is to Microsoft what Tim Cook is to Apple. 
    He’s not THAT good.
    I disagree. His performance has been amazing. He’s built upon something whereas Cook has continued. He’s more Jobs like than Cook.
    michelb76williamlondonanantksundaram
  • Reply 7 of 8
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,417member
    hydrogen said:
    I can read on his face all the joy of being at the top of this company ......
    Right, because this photo was clearly taken immediately after he received the news. 
    anantksundaram
  • Reply 8 of 8
    macxpressmacxpress Posts: 5,808member
    KBuffett said:
    Beats said:
    larryjw said:
    Nadella has been the best hire MS ever made. He is to Microsoft what Tim Cook is to Apple. 
    He’s not THAT good.
    I disagree. His performance has been amazing. He’s built upon something whereas Cook has continued. He’s more Jobs like than Cook.
    He's been better than Ballmer, but then again who wouldn't be. I wouldn't exact say he's more like Jobs haha. That's going a little far. 
    williamlondonlorca2770ronn
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