The wait is over. After roughly five months of deliberations, Microsoft has appointed Satya Nadella as the company’s new CEO, the third chief executive in Microsoft history. Mr. Nadella was previously executive vice president of the company’s Cloud and Enterprise group.

Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft): The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly.

Bill Gates, previously chairman of the board, will assume a new role on the board as Founder and Technology Advisor. Mr. Gates will devote more time to the company, “supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction”, says the Redmond giant. John Thompson, lead independent director for the Microsoft board, will assume the role of board chairman, and remain an independent director on the board.

Bill Gates (Founder and Technology Advisor, Microsoft): During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella.

Steve Ballmer (Former CEO, Microsoft): Having worked with him for more than 20 years, I know that Satya is the right leader at the right time for Microsoft.   

Originally from Hyderabad, India, Mr. Nadella lives in Bellevue, Wash. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Mangalore University, a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He is married and has three children.

[Image courtesy: Microsoft]