Microsoft names CEO Satya Nadella as chairman, replacing John Thompson
Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft Corp in 2014 from Steve Ballmer
He is responsible for billion-dollar acquisitions like LinkedIn, Nuance Communications and ZeniMax
John Thompson who took over as Chairman after Bill Gates will serve as a lead independent director
The top-level executive change comes just over a year after Gates stepped down from the board
Bill Gates is currently pursuing his interests in philanthropy, farming and other projects
