Is the creator of Microsoft’s Surface products flying to Amazon?
He spent almost 20 years at Microsoft, coming very close to CEO Satya Nadella, but now Panos Panay, one of the most senior executives of the company founded by Bill Gates, is abandoning ship to set sail for new shores. Will he move to Seattle? Facts and rumors
After almost two decades Panos Panay, one of Microsoft's top executives, is leaving the Redmond giant. During his last role as Chief Product Officer (CPO) he led the launch of the Surface computer line and Windows 11.
According to various rumors, Panay is about to join Amazon.
WHO IS PANOS PANAY
Panos Panay was born in the United States and after a bachelor of science degree from California State University, he earned an MBA from Pepperdine University.
ALMOST 20 YEARS IN MICROSOFT
Panay joined Microsoft in 2004 and throughout his career was responsible for the Microsoft Hardware Division, leading the user experience and development of mice, keyboards, webcams and headsets.
But above all he was responsible for the launch of Windows 11 and the Surface line of devices. “Under Panos' leadership, the team built the iconic Surface brand with highly regarded products,” reads the message sent to employees by Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of Microsoft's experiences and devices group.
Two years after being named CPO in 2018, Panay was promoted to executive vice president, making him part of the team directly assisting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
THE LAUNCH OF THE SURFACE LINE
When Apple's iPad dominated the tablet market, Microsoft launched its own with Surface in 2012. The line of high-end devices – unusual for Microsoft, which has always focused on software and makes money from other computer makers using its Windows operating system – has also produced laptops, all-in-ones and convertibles.
Surface devices, however, represent only a small portion of the personal computer market.
The line also includes various accessories such as Surface Headphones, Surface Earbuds, Surface Dial, Surface Pen and Surface Mouse.
THE GOODBYE
Now that Panay is leaving, Yusuf Mehdi, another longtime executive who currently serves as chief marketing officer for consumer products, will take the helm of the Windows and Surface businesses and products. According to the note, Panay will help with the transition.
“After 19 incredible years at Microsoft, I have decided to move on and write the next chapter,” the former CPO wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
After 19 incredible years at Microsoft, I've decided to turn the page and write the next chapter. I'm forever grateful for my time at Microsoft and the amazing people I had the honor to make products with.
— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) September 18, 2023
According to The Verge , the decision was rather "sudden." In fact, only last month Panay declared that he was excited to participate in the Microsoft event to be held on Thursday 21 September, in which the company will reveal the latest innovations in the Surface line and the "AI innovations". But obviously he won't be there.
AMAZON MANAGEMENT?
Although Panay did not add anything else, Bloomberg – citing people familiar with the situation – states that Panay is being approached by Amazon , who would hire him to manage the division that deals with the Alexa voice assistant and Echo speakers, whose manager, Dave Limp announced last month that he will retire by the end of 2023. Two years ago the same exchange occurred but in reverse, top Amazon cloud executive Charlie Bell went to Microsoft to run its cybersecurity business .
Now, Panay's departure from Microsoft and arrival at Amazon coincide at an important moment for both giants. Bill Gates' company, in fact, will present its latest news next Thursday and Bezos' company will hold its annual event on new devices tomorrow.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/innovazione/lideatore-dei-prodotti-surface-di-microsoft-vola-verso-amazon/ on Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:28:19 +0000.