Who succeeded Bill Gates as CEO of Microsoft?

Bill Gates was succeeded as Microsoft’s CEO by Steve Ballmer in 2000. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as its 30th employee and became one of the company’s most influential early business leaders, working closely with Gates as Microsoft expanded beyond software development.

Gates did not leave Microsoft when Ballmer became CEO. He moved into the role of chief software architect, allowing Ballmer to focus on company operations, sales, and business strategy. Ballmer had already served as Microsoft’s president and was deeply involved in building its commercial organization.

Ballmer’s tenure lasted until 2014, when Satya Nadella became CEO. That creates a common mix-up: Nadella succeeded Ballmer, not Gates. Paul Allen was Microsoft’s co-founder, while John Sculley was associated with Apple and PepsiCo, not Microsoft’s succession as CEO.