Microsoft shares have gained about 23 per cent this year, driven by steady growth in its Azure cloud computing business, which continues to outperform competitors like Amazon Web Services. Since becoming CEO, Nadella has transformed Microsoft into a cloud-first and AI-driven company.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is handing off day-to-day commercial execution to longtime sales chief Judson Althoff, who takes on the new role of CEO of commercial business. The change frees Nadella to focus more on AI and long-term technology bets.

Microsoft recently announced a major leadership shake-up that marks a turning point for the company’s future in artificial intelligence. CEO Satya Nadella has restructured Microsoft’s top ranks to focus more closely on technical innovation — from AI systems and product design to global data centre expansion.