History of Satya Nadella in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 31, 2025

Satya Nadella is an Indian-American business executive currently serving as the chairman and CEO of Microsoft. He took over the CEO role in 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer, and became chairman in 2021, replacing John W. Thompson. Prior to his CEO appointment, Nadella held the position of executive vice president of Microsoft's cloud and enterprise group, where he was responsible for the development and operation of the company's computing platforms. His leadership has been marked by a focus on cloud computing and a shift in Microsoft's corporate culture.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1962: Father's career

In 1962, Nadella's father became an Indian Administrative Service officer.

August 1967: Satya Nadella's Birth

In August 1967, Satya Nadella was born in Hyderabad, India, into a Telugu Hindu family.

1988: Graduation from Manipal Institute of Technology

In 1988, Nadella received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology.

1990: MS in Computer Science

In 1990, Nadella received an MS in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

1992: Joined Microsoft

In 1992, Nadella joined Microsoft after working at Sun Microsystems.

1992: Marriage to Anupama Priyadarshini

In 1992, Nadella married Anupama Priyadarshini.

1997: MBA from University of Chicago

In 1997, Nadella received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

2011: Took over Server and Tools Business

In 2011, Nadella took over Microsoft's Server and Tools Business.

June 2013: Cloud Services Revenue

In June 2013, Microsoft's Cloud Services revenue grew to $20.3 billion.

2013: Reported base salary

In 2013, Nadella's base salary was reportedly $669,167, with a total compensation of around $7.6 million including stock bonuses.

February 2014: Named CEO of Microsoft

On February 4, 2014, Satya Nadella was announced as the new CEO of Microsoft, succeeding Steve Ballmer.

October 2014: Controversy at Women in Computing Event

In October 2014, Nadella faced controversy at an event on Women in Computing for stating that women should not ask for a raise and should trust the system, later apologizing for his statement.

2014: Acquisition of Mojang

In 2014, Nadella's first acquisition with Microsoft was Mojang, the company known for Minecraft, for $2.5 billion.

2014: Appointment as Microsoft CEO

In 2014, Satya Nadella succeeded Steve Ballmer to become the CEO of Microsoft.

2014: Increased Stock Value since becoming CEO

Since Nadella became CEO in 2014, Microsoft stock has increased nearly tenfold, with a 27% annual growth rate.

2016: Microsoft joined the Linux Foundation

In 2016, Microsoft joined the Linux Foundation as a Platinum member, with Nadella proclaiming "Microsoft ❤️ Linux".

2016: Purchase of LinkedIn

In 2016, Nadella oversaw the purchase of LinkedIn for $26.2 billion.

2016: Received $84.5 million pay

In 2016, Nadella received $84.5 million in pay.

2017: Published 'Hit Refresh'

In 2017, Nadella published a book titled Hit Refresh, with profits going to Microsoft Philanthropies.

Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

Check it on Amazon

October 2018: Acquisition of GitHub

On October 26, 2018, Microsoft acquired GitHub for US$7.5 billion under Nadella's leadership.

2018: Time 100 Honoree

In 2018, Nadella was a Time 100 honoree.

2019: Awards

In 2019, Nadella was named Financial Times Person of the Year and Fortune Magazine Businessperson of the Year.

2020: Awarded as Global Indian Business Icon

In 2020, Nadella was recognized as Global Indian Business Icon at CNBC-TV18's India Business Leader Awards in Mumbai.

2021: Appointment as Microsoft Chairman

In 2021, Satya Nadella succeeded John W. Thompson to become the Chairman of Microsoft.

February 2022: Death of son, Zain Nadella

In February 2022, Nadella's son Zain, who had cerebral palsy and was legally blind and quadriplegic, died at the age of 26.

2022: Awarded Padma Bhushan

In 2022, the Government of India awarded Nadella the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India.

November 2023: Increased Stock Value

As of November 2023, Microsoft stock had increased nearly tenfold since Nadella became CEO in 2014, with a 27% annual growth rate, ending a 14-year period of near zero growth.