Chief product officer at Microsoft, Panos Panay, has announced his exit from the company, with reports saying he has been hired by Amazon.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Panay said: “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.”
Panay will reportedly replace Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices & Services, according to Bloomberg who cited people familiar with the matter. Amazon announced Limp’s retirement from the role last month after 13.5 years with Amazon.
Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, said: “Dave will remain in his role for the next few months, and we’ll announce his successor in the coming weeks.”
Panay was promoted to chief product officer in April 2018 from corporate vice president of Microsoft Devices – a position he held for eight years.
The news comes as Microsoft is set to hold an event in New York, US, where it is rumored to focus on the Surface range. Amazon will also host a devices event this week.
Panay said in a LinkedIn post at the beginning of the month that he was “pumped to be in NYC on September 21 talking AI innovation from Microsoft.”
In an email sent to employees on Monday, Rajesh Jha, Microsoft’s vice president of experience and devices, said that Yusuf Mehdi will lead the Windows and Surface businesses with Microsoft’s OEM and Retail partners.
Jha said: “Under Panos’ 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 our OEM partners. He will be missed, and I am personally very grateful for his many contributions over the years.”
The vice president of experience and devices said that the changes will be effective immediately with “Panos’ help in the transition”.
Amazon has been contacted by ERP Today for comment.
