Microsoft names CEO Satya Nadella chairman of the board

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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