We are hungry to do more: New Microsoft CEO Nadella tells employees

, Feb 4: Describing his rise to the top as "humbling",

's

-born CEO Satya Nadella said technology industry respects only "innovation" and not tradition.

The company has seen great success but "we are hungry to do more", Nadella said in his first mail to employees after being appointed as the CEO today of the USD 78 billion software giant. He said his job would be to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a "mobile and cloud-first world".

Reminiscing his first day at work 22 years ago, Nadella -- the first Indian to head Microsoft -- said he joined the firm because he believed it was the best company in the world. "I knew there was no better company to join if I wanted to make a difference. This is the very same inspiration that continues to drive me today," Nadella noted.

The appointment is a significant achievement for Nadella as he is the third CEO in the Redmond-based company's 38-year history, after co-founder Bill Gates and current chief Steve Ballmer. "Today is a very humbling day for me. Many companies aspire to change the world. But very few have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that it has all three in abundance. And as the new CEO, I can’t ask for a better foundation," Nadella said.

Outlining his plans for the days ahead, Nadella said he believes that over the next decade computing will become even more ubiquitous and intelligence will become ambient. "Our industry does not respect tradition — it only respects innovation. This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft. Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places — as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world," he said.

PTI