Microsoft is going through a significant change because Panos Panay, the company’s Chief Product Officer, is leaving. The move is a significant change for the company’s hardware and Windows departments.
Rajesh Jha, Executive Vice President of the Experiences and Devices Group, told Microsoft workers on Recently that Panay was leaving. Panay will stay with the company for a short time so that the shift to his replacement goes smoothly.
Since 2004, Panos Panay has been a key player at the tech giant, focusing mainly on the company’s hardware projects. He oversaw the Surface computer division and, more recently, the Windows business.
After he leaves, Pavan Davuluri will be in charge of operating systems, devices, and chips related to desktop clients, cloud computers, and artificial intelligence. Jha said that Yusuf Mehdi would take on duties related to computer manufacturers and retail partnerships.
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, thanked Panos and said he significantly affected the company’s products, culture, and industry over his 20 years there.
In a statement, CEO Satya Nadella said, “Thank you, Panos, for your influence on our products, culture, company, and industry over the past 20 years.” He also said the company will “remain steadfast and confident in our strategy.”
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Some of Panay’s career highlights at Microsoft
Panay’s journey began in 2012 when Microsoft’s first computers came out. At the time, he was the general manager for Surface. Over the years, he led the effort to add laptops, desktops, and other devices to the Surface product line. Under his guidance, these devices were compared to Apple for their flashy launch events, careful attention to detail, and high-quality design.
But the company recently changed its Surface operations, cutting staff and removing goods that weren’t selling well. Panay has been responsible for the HoloLens mixed-reality goggles project since 2022. The project has had problems, such as delays caused by a deal with the U.S. Army.
In his email, Rajesh Jha stressed that Microsoft’s commitment to the Surface product line and the mixed-reality business has not changed despite these changes.
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Jha wrote in his email that the company’s “commitment” to Surface and the business of mixed reality has not changed.
Pavan Davuluri, who has been with the company for 20 years and has worked with silicon and systems integration, will be a vital part of this continuation. Yusuf Mehdi has worked for Microsoft for over 30 years and has led marketing efforts, including ones for Internet Explorer. He will continue to help Microsoft with its plans.