Which Microsoft CEO did Jeff Weiner report to after the LinkedIn acquisition?

After Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, CEO Jeff Weiner reported directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The arrangement was part of Microsoft’s plan to keep LinkedIn operating with its own brand, culture, and independence while connecting it to Microsoft’s broader business.

Microsoft announced the acquisition in June 2016 for $196 per LinkedIn share, valuing the transaction at about $26.2 billion. The deal closed on December 8, 2016. Weiner remained LinkedIn’s chief executive and continued managing the company’s day-to-day operations, but his reporting line changed from LinkedIn’s board to Nadella.

This detail is easy to confuse with other Microsoft leaders. Bill Gates was Microsoft’s co-founder and former CEO, Steve Ballmer was Nadella’s predecessor, and Kevin Scott was Microsoft’s chief technology officer. None was Weiner’s direct reporting executive after the acquisition.

Weiner stepped down as LinkedIn CEO in 2020 and became executive chairman. Ryan Roslansky succeeded him as CEO and, like Weiner, reported directly to Nadella.