A view shows a Microsoft logo at the Microsoft offices in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris, France, January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo acquire license rights
Sept. 18 (Reuters) – Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi (MSFT.O), who oversees its consumer marketing efforts, is taking over the company’s Surface and Windows businesses with external PC makers and business partners, as Panos Longtime product manager Panay resigns.
Bloomberg reported that Panay was hired by Amazon.com (AMZN.O) to lead the unit responsible for the company’s Alexa and Echo products, replacing David Limp, the current head of the unit who announced his intention to retire this year.
Microsoft declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, and Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.
Panay resigned after nearly 20 years at Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft, where he led the creation of the Surface line of computers and, most recently, oversaw the launch of the Windows operating system 11.
In a statement, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella thanked Panay for his “impact on our products, culture, business and industry over the past two decades.” I’m grateful for your leadership, your support, and everything you’ve done for Microsoft and our customers and partners.”
Microsoft also said Pavan Davuluri would lead a hardware engineering team that would include Microsoft’s efforts to develop its own chips, according to an email sent Monday by Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of the experiences and devices group at Microsoft. Reuters has seen a copy of the email.
Microsoft has made big bets on generative AI, integrating the technology into a wide range of its products, including cloud, search and productivity software and services such as its Office suite.
The company is holding a “special event” on September 21, during which it is expected to announce updates to its Surface line, among other updates.
Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bangalore and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Anil D’Silva and Nick Zieminski
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