Satya Nadella's life and career, from computer-science student to CEO of Microsoft and turning it into a $3 trillion titan

Satya Nadella is CEO of Microsoft.Ethan Miller/Getty Images

• Satya Nadella became only the third CEO of Microsoft almost a decade ago.
• The former engineer reformed its corporate culture and has driven growth with innovation and partnerships.

When Satya Nadella took over as Microsoft CEO on February 4, 2014, the company was struggling.

Windows 8 had been a disaster. Microsoft employees were constantly battling behind the scenes for supremacy. And all the while, consumers and developers alike were losing faith in the company cofounded by Bill Gates.

How times have changed.

In January, as 56-year-old Nadella neared a decade in charge, Microsoft overtook Apple to become the world's most valuable public company and is now worth about $3 trillion.

It's a resurgence that's been credited to his savvy embrace of partnerships, dedication to innovation, and considered leadership style.

Here's how Nadella worked his way up the ranks of Microsoft and executed this startling turnaround.

This article has been updated since its original publication in 2016.