Like a bolt from the blue, news arrives that is destined to change Microsoft’s trajectory. In a positive or negative sense, we’ll see later. After 19 years, Panos Panay has put an end to his work history with the Redmond giantand more precisely with the Windows and Surface teams he led until a few days ago.
«After 19 incredible years at Microsoft, I have decided to move on and write a new chapter. I will be forever grateful for my years at Microsoft and the wonderful people I had the honor of building products with», wrote Panay your X.
On Elon Musk’s social network, the now former Microsoft pillar did not provide details on the reason for the end of the long-standing and profitable collaboration, nor on its future. In this regard, however, rumors are circulating that Panay would be hired by Amazon to lead the teams dealing with Alexa, Echo smart speakers, Kindles and Fire tablets. He therefore takes over the role held until recently by Dave Limp, now retired.
No official statements have been released from Microsoft and Amazon, but the news is quite surprising. Also because it will be held in New York on September 21st an important AI event that Panay himself was expected to take part in.
Microsoft’s organization after Panay’s departure
From an email sent to employees we learn that Yusuf Medhi will take care of partnerships with OEMs and Retail regarding Windows and Surface devices. Mikhail Parakhin he will instead lead the new “Windows and Web Experiences” team, with the support of CVP Shilpa Ranganathan. In the end, Pavan Davuluri he will be at the helm of a division that will focus its activity on artificial intelligence.
The farewell of the face of the Surface range was commented thus by Satya NadellaCEO of Microsoft: «Thank you, Panos, for your impact on our products, our culture, our company and the entire industry over the past two decades».
