Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella has been CEO of Microsoft since 2014 and chairman since 2021, leading a turnaround that made it one of the world's most valuable companies through cloud computing (Azure), enterprise software, and a central position in artificial intelligence. His net worth, largely in Microsoft stock, was estimated around $1.1-1.4 billion in 2025; his fiscal-2025 pay was about $96.5 million.

Under Nadella, Microsoft made a multibillion-dollar partnership with and investment in OpenAI, integrating its models across Copilot, Azure, GitHub, and Office, positioning Microsoft at the heart of the generative-AI boom.

Microsoft's reach across operating systems, cloud, productivity software, gaming (after acquiring Activision Blizzard), and AI gives Nadella influence over much of the world's computing infrastructure.

What they control

• Microsoft's Azure cloud platform
• Windows, Office, and enterprise software
• The OpenAI partnership and Copilot AI products
• GitHub, LinkedIn, and gaming (Activision Blizzard)
• Vast enterprise and consumer software ecosystems

Key institutions & holdings

Key facts

• Net worth around $1.1-1.4 billion (2025), mostly Microsoft stock.
• CEO of Microsoft since 2014; chairman since 2021.
• Fiscal-2025 compensation about $96.5 million.
• Built Microsoft's central OpenAI partnership and Azure AI business.
• Oversaw the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Timeline

1. 2014Becomes CEO of Microsoft.
2. 2021Also becomes chairman.
3. 2023Deepens the OpenAI partnership and launches Copilot AI products.
4. 2023Completes the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Controversies

Network

• Sam AltmanAI partnerOpenAI CEO; central to Microsoft's AI strategy.
• Bill GatesFounder/predecessorMicrosoft co-founder.