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.

Nadella said Microsoft is accelerating its pace of innovation and adapting to both a new tech stack and a new way of working.

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.