Update: Speaking of Dave Limp, Panay is Reportedly Heading Over to Amazon Next
As we previously reported, Dave Limp’s departure from Amazon has sparked rumors about a potential shift in focus for the company’s hardware division. Now, it appears that Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer and longtime Surface evangelist, is also leaving the company.
According to sources, Panay will be joining Amazon next, where he will resume his role as a key figure in shaping the company’s hardware strategy. We have reached out to Amazon for comment on this development.
Both Companies Holding Devices Events This Week: Things are About to Get Interesting
Microsoft and Amazon are both holding devices events this week, which is sure to generate significant buzz in the tech industry. Microsoft’s event will likely be focused on Surface products, Panay’s long-time focus, while Amazon will almost certainly be announcing a number of Echo/Alexa products.
Panay’s departure from Microsoft marks a significant change for the company’s hardware division, which was impacted by last year’s Amazon layoffs. His experience in the PC space could signal a shift in focus for the division, with a greater emphasis on developing innovative and user-friendly devices.
Panos Panay Leaves Microsoft After 19 Years
Panos Panay announced his departure from Microsoft via Twitter this morning, noting that he has decided to "turn the page" and write the next chapter of his career. In his statement, Panay expressed gratitude for his time at Microsoft and the amazing people he had the honor to work with.
Microsoft has since confirmed the news, with CEO Satya Nadella releasing a statement praising Panay’s impact on the company’s products, culture, and industry over the past two decades.
Panay’s Legacy at Microsoft
Panos Panay joined Microsoft in 2004 as Group Program Manager for PC hardware. After an eight-year stint as Corporate VP of Microsoft Devices, he was appointed to his most recent role in 2018. During his time at Microsoft, Panay was well known for his impassioned Surface presentations.
Under Panay’s leadership, the team created the iconic Surface brand with loved products. More recently, as the leader of Windows, the team has brought amazing services and experiences to hundreds of millions with Windows 11 on innovative devices, including those from OEM partners.
Roles Being Shifted in Transition
In Panay’s absence, a number of roles are being shifted as part of the transition. EVP Rajesh Jha released an email to the devices team, praising Panay’s impact and expressing gratitude for his many contributions over the years.
Jha noted that Panay will be missed, but the company remains "steadfast and convicted in our strategy." Yusuf Mehdi will take lead on Windows and Surface businesses and products externally.
Impact of Panay’s Departure
Panay’s departure from Microsoft marks a significant change for the company’s hardware division. His experience in the PC space could signal a shift in focus for the division, with a greater emphasis on developing innovative and user-friendly devices.
The news comes just a month after another high-profile hardware executive, Dave Limp, confirmed that he would be stepping down from Amazon by the end of the year.
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