Executive Director Microsoft by Windows and devices Surface Panos Panay is leaving the company after almost 20 years. The departure was unexpected, as Panay had previously mentioned his participation in the company’s event on September 21.
“After 19 incredible years at Microsoft, I decided to turn the page and write the next chapter. “I am forever grateful for my time at Microsoft and the amazing people with whom I had the honor of creating products,” said Panay.
Panay first joined Microsoft in 2004. After leading the Surface line and the company’s other key products, Panay led the development of Windows 11. In 2021, he was named executive vice president as part of the senior management team that directly advises Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
In an internal Microsoft email, Rajesh Jha, Microsoft’s executive director of experiences and devices, shared the news with employees and expressed his gratitude to Panos.
“After working for the company for almost 20 years, Panos Panay has decided to leave Microsoft. Panos has had an incredible impact on our products and culture, as well as the broader device ecosystem. Under Panos’ leadership, the team built the iconic Surface brand with beloved products. Most recently, as CEO of Windows, the team has delivered amazing Windows 11 experiences and services to hundreds of millions of users on innovative devices, including from our OEM partners. We will miss him and I am personally very grateful to him for his many services over the years. Please join me in wishing him all the best,” said Rajesh
In the same letter, Rajesh announced that the company should improve its strategy and appointed new people. Panay’s responsibilities will be shared by Pawan Davuluri and Yusuf Mehdi.
