Name: Kevin Scott
Role:
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Microsoft; Founder of Behind the Tech; Former Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations at LinkedIn.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, Kevin Scott’s net worth is estimated at $86 million.
Profile Overview:
Kevin Scott is an American computer scientist, entrepreneur, and technology leader known for his contributions to artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and large-scale infrastructure systems. As Microsoft’s CTO since 2017, Scott drives cross-company technical initiatives and innovation, focusing on AI, data security, and intelligent edge technologies. Before joining Microsoft, he held key roles at LinkedIn and Google, where he contributed to scaling systems and advancing mobile advertising technologies. Scott is also the founder of Behind the Tech, a nonprofit organization that highlights the stories of technologists shaping the industry.
Bio:
Kevin Scott was born in 1972 in Gladys, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Lynchburg College in 1994 and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Wake Forest University in 1996. He later enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Virginia but left in 2003 to pursue a career in industry.
Scott began his career at Google, where he held leadership positions in search and ads engineering. He played a key role in integrating AdMob into Google following its $750 million acquisition in 2010. In 2011, Scott joined LinkedIn as Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations. During his tenure, he scaled LinkedIn’s infrastructure to support rapid growth following its IPO, earning recognition as “the engineer who saved LinkedIn.”
In January 2017, shortly after Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, Scott was appointed as Microsoft’s CTO by CEO Satya Nadella. He continues to lead technical strategy across AI, machine learning (ML), mixed reality, and blockchain technologies.
Kevin Scott’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
Kevin Scott has been instrumental in advancing AI research and applications at Microsoft. As CTO, he oversees initiatives such as integrating AI into Microsoft products like Azure AI and M365 Copilot. In 2020, he expanded his responsibilities by taking over leadership of Microsoft’s AI and Research division.
Scott advocates for ethical AI development that benefits society broadly. His book Reprogramming the American Dream explores how AI can empower individuals across diverse communities rather than concentrating benefits among the privileged few. Under his leadership, Microsoft has focused on making deep learning accessible through tools like Azure OpenAI Service.
Nationality:
American
Age:
53 years old (as of March 21, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Computer Science from Lynchburg College (1994).
- Master’s Degree: Computer Science from Wake Forest University (1996).
- Ph.D. Studies: Computer Science at the University of Virginia (incomplete).
Sources of Wealth:
- Microsoft: Leadership role as CTO driving innovation across AI and cloud computing.
- LinkedIn: Senior Vice President during its IPO and rapid growth phase.
- Google: Key engineering roles in search and mobile ads technology.
- AdMob: Oversaw integration following its acquisition by Google.
- Books & Speaking Engagements: Author of Reprogramming the American Dream.
- Angel Investments: Adviser to Silicon Valley startups.
Random Fact:
Kevin Scott hosts the podcast Behind the Tech, where he interviews influential figures shaping the technology industry.
Kevin Scott’s career exemplifies his ability to bridge technical expertise with leadership across some of the world’s most influential tech companies. His contributions to artificial intelligence continue to shape Microsoft’s vision for empowering people through technology globally.
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