March 18, 2025, Bill Gates recently shared insights into the decision-making process behind appointing Satya Nadella as Microsoft’s CEO, calling it one of the most important and emotional moments of his career. Gates credited himself, former CEO Steve Ballmer, and Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith for backing Nadella’s leadership — a decision that has since propelled Microsoft to new heights.
Gates Opens Up About Nadella’s Appointment
In a candid conversation with Brad Smith, Gates reflected on the pivotal decision made over a decade ago. Smith asked, “One of the biggest bets, I would say that you were involved in making… was the choice of Satya Nadella. It was announced 11 years ago now. Looking back, how do you think about that day and that decision?”
Gates responded emotionally, saying, “I’ll tear up on this, ’cause it meant a lot to me. I’ve had two successors, and do I feel lucky because as I went off to do the foundation work, the one thing that plagued me was: Was I going to see the company fade in terms of its excellence?”
Concerns About Microsoft’s Future
Gates admitted to being concerned about Microsoft’s future after stepping down from day-to-day operations in 2000. When Ballmer retired in 2013, there was intense speculation about who would take the helm. Gates revealed his anxiety about the company losing its edge:
“Would I be haunted by: Should I go back, should I not go back?”
Confidence in Nadella’s Leadership
Gates credited Nadella’s leadership for not only maintaining Microsoft’s success but also elevating it to new levels in a complex tech landscape:
“Steve took us to new heights, and the fact that through a process that almost hit the wrong decision, you and Steve and I never wavered from knowing Satya would be good — and he’s been even better at navigating one of the most complex CEO jobs in the world — makes me feel so good.”
Since taking over as CEO, Nadella has led Microsoft’s strategic shift toward cloud computing and artificial intelligence, strengthening the company’s market position and financial performance. Gates added that Nadella’s success has given him peace of mind:
“It’s allowed me to throw everything in and to have the incredible resources that my Microsoft ownership created.”
Gates’ Ongoing Role at Microsoft
Though Gates has focused on philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he remains connected to Microsoft in a smaller role, often participating in product reviews and engaging with the company’s AI advancements.
Nadella’s leadership continues to steer Microsoft toward innovation and growth, reaffirming the confidence Gates, Ballmer, and Smith placed in him over a decade ago.
