Gates wants to devote more time to Microsoft, the company said

Feb 4, 2014 14:16 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has just announced that former cloud boss Satya Nadella is the new CEO of the company, but this isn’t the only important piece of news revealed by Redmond today.

Bill Gates will step down as chairman, but will remain within the company to work with Nadella on new products, just like the rumors that reached the web last week pointed out.

Gates wants to devote more time to his software empire, the company said in a press statement, so he will be replaced by John Thompson, independent director and in charge of the committee looking for a new CEO for Microsoft.

“Microsoft also announced that Bill Gates, previously Chairman of the Board of Directors, will assume a new role on the Board as Founder and Technology Advisor, and will devote more time to the company, supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction. John Thompson, lead independent director for the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors and remain an independent director on the Board,” Microsoft announced.