As Microsoft board is nearing the announcement about its next CEO, there were multiple reports on the discussions going on between board and the likely CEO Satya Nadella. Recode and WSJ both reported that Satya Nadella has requested Microsoft’s board to ask Bill Gates to spend more time on technology and strategy by assisting him as CEO.

After the board’s search committee recommended Mr. Nadella, he told the board that a bigger role for Mr. Gates as a close adviser is “what I need to be successful,” the person familiar with the matter said.

Since Bill Gates is already focused on his Gates foundation work in addition to being_Microsoft’s chairman, it is unlikely that he will accept this new role which Satya demands to board. Recode reports that Bill Gates would step down as chairman in favor of the director John Thompson, as part of the changes. Sources said that Nadella has asked Gates to do so, helping specifically with technology and product problems, and the pair have been scoping...

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