Microsoft names commercial head as Nadella shifts focus to AI
**Microsoft Names Commercial Head as Nadella Shifts Focus to AI**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 02, 2025, 10:43 AM*
Microsoft has announced a significant leadership change by appointing Judson Althoff, its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), as the new CEO of its commercial business. This strategic move allows current CEO Satya Nadella to concentrate more on the company’s technical innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
### Leadership Transition and Expanded Role
In his new role, Althoff will lead a newly formed organization that unites sales, marketing, and operations under one umbrella. He will also head a new commercial leadership team comprising executives from engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and finance.
This reorganization is designed to free up Nadella and other engineering leaders to focus on their highest-priority technical projects, including data center buildouts, systems architecture, AI science, and product innovation.
### Strategic Focus Driven by AI Platform Shift
Nadella emphasized the importance of this restructuring in response to a “tectonic AI platform shift.” He highlighted the need to effectively manage and grow Microsoft’s existing large-scale commercial business while simultaneously building the next frontier of technology.
Judson Althoff, who joined Microsoft in 2013 after holding senior sales positions at Oracle Corp. and EMC, has played a crucial role in driving uninterrupted commercial cloud revenue growth. His leadership has been central to Microsoft’s success in partnering with customers and advancing AI-driven business outcomes.
### About Judson Althoff
Althoff holds a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Beyond Microsoft, he serves as an independent director on Ecolab’s board and contributes to its Audit and Finance Committee.
Under his guidance, Microsoft has strengthened its commercial cloud revenue by focusing on customer partnerships and leveraging AI transformation to deliver tangible business value.
### Strategic Consolidation of AI Marketplaces
In a related development, Microsoft recently merged its previously separate marketplaces for business-focused AI tools into one unified platform named the “Microsoft Marketplace.”
Previously operating two distinct marketplaces—one targeting software developers using its Azure cloud computing service and another for applications and AI “agents”—this consolidation reflects Microsoft’s broader commitment to streamlining operations and simplifying customer access to AI solutions.
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This leadership update and strategic consolidation underscore Microsoft’s proactive approach to embracing AI innovation while maintaining strong commercial momentum.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/microsoft-appoints-judson-althoff-as-head-of-commercial-business/story
