For a century and a half, Microsoft (MSFT) has very stable leadership – since its inception, there have been only three CEOs and four chairs. Gates served as CEO for 25 years and served as another 14 chairman. His successor Steve Ballmer started as the company’s first business manager, leading Microsoft for 14 years under the ongoing supervision of Gates. Current CEO Satya Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and was appointed then-Chairman John W. Thompson in 2014 and chaired in 2021.
Here are four Microsoft leaders and their key milestones:
Bill Gates, 69: CEO (1975-2000) and Chairman (1975-2014)
Steve Ballmer, 69: CEO (2000-2014)
John W. Thompson, 75: Chairman (2014-2021)
Satya Nadella, 57: CEO (2014-Dictionary) and Chairman (2021-present)
