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Microsoft names new chairman: CEO Satya Nadella

It was a unanimous decision by the board of directors.

David Priest Former editor
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
David Priest
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella speaks at a Microsoft event in 2019.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Microsoft's board of directors this week voted to appoint CEO Satya Nadella as the chairman of the board, making him even more influential in steering one of the world's tech giants.

In a press release, Microsoft said the board unanimously elected Nadella to the new position. He replaces John Thompson, who will move into a lead independent director role, on the heels of a blockbuster fiscal year -- and as the company approaches a $2 trillion market capitalization. Apple has been the only company to reach that value.

Microsoft has a typically busy year ahead of it, starting with its expected unveiling of a redesigned Windows operating system next week. The company is also in the midst of rolling out its newest gaming systems, the Xbox Series X and Series S -- which have sold out within hours of nearly every restock since last year.

Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.