Microsoft announced on 4th February that Satya Nadella would replace Steve Ballmer at the helm of the company, thus becoming the third CEO in the history of the software giant. Just like recent rumors, Satya Nadella has the full support of chairman Bill Gates, who’s expected to work together with the new CEO on a number of projects. “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft’s Founder and Member of the Board of Directors. “Satya is a proven leader with hardcore 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.” Of course, Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s outgoing CEO who’ll now leave the company since a new leader is found, praised Satya Nadella, although it’s pretty clear that this is a sad moment for the one who has been at the helm of the company for nearly 13 years. “Having worked with him for more than 20 years, I know that Satya is the right leader at the right time for Microsoft. I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the most talented employees and senior leadership team in the industry, and I know their passion and hunger for greatness will only grow stronger under Satya’s leadership,” Ballmer said. Satya Nadella previously held the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. He joined the company in 1992 and had several key roles within the company. The switch of roles is effective immediately, with Nadella also becoming a member of the Board of Directors.