What position did Bill Gates hold at Microsoft when Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014?

Bill Gates was a technology adviser at Microsoft when Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014.

Nadella succeeded Steve Ballmer as Microsoft’s chief executive in February 2014. Gates had already moved away from day-to-day leadership, but he agreed to spend more time with the company as a technology adviser to help support Nadella during the transition.

Gates had previously served as Microsoft’s chairman and later as a part-time chairman. His advisory role was different from being the chief executive or an operating manager: it focused on technology discussions, product ideas, and strategic support.

In 2020, Gates left Microsoft’s board while continuing to serve as a technology adviser. This distinction is important because he remained closely associated with Microsoft even after ending formal board service.