Satya Nadella named as Microsoft's new chairman

Satya Nadella has been named as Microsoft's new chairman, replacing John Thomson.

Since taking over as CEO from Steve Ballmer in 2014, Mr Nadella has helped scaled up the organisation's business, including billion-dollar acquisitions like LinkedIn, Nuance communications and Zenimax.

Mr. Thomson, who became chairman of the software giant in 2014 after taking over from co-founder Bill Gates, will serve as lead independent director.

The change of top level executive follows Bill Gates' departure from the board last year. He says he will focus on philanthropic work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest charity.

After hearing in 2019 that Mr Gates had attempted to start a romantic relationship with an employee nearly 20 years ago, the company conducted a probe into their environment.

The company decline to save whether it's bored had decided Mr Gates should step down.

The firm also declared a dividend of 56 per share payable September 9.