22-year Microsoft veteran named as third CEO

Microsoft has named 22-year company veteran Satya Nadella as its next chief executive, ending a protracted search for a new leader after Steve Ballmer announced his intention to retire in August.

Mr Nadella called the appointment “humbling” in an email to the company’s employees. He is only the third CEO in Microsoft’s 39-year history, following co-founder Bill Gates and Mr Ballmer.

Mr Nadella, who led the creation of Microsoft’s internet-based, or “cloud,” computing services, said in a videotaped statement that he would focus on “ruthlessly” removing any obstacles to innovation at the company.