Microsoft Reorg Puts Panos Panay in Charge of Windows
Microsoft is making some major leadership changes internally. Not only is LinkedIn getting a new CEO, but the company is also making some significant changes in two of its prominent consumer-focused businesses: Windows and Office.
First things first, Microsoft is combining the Windows Experience and hardware team into a single team called Devices + Windows. The new team is led by Chief Product Officer Panos Panay, who’s mostly known for leading Microsoft’s hardware efforts. Panay will be leading the new team starting February 25, reports Mary Jo Foley.
What is more interesting, however, is rumours that Panos Panay was reportedly looking for a new role — either inside, or outside of Microsoft. Apparently, Panay considered a leave of absence from Microsoft and might have even considered joining Apple. Mary Jo Foley was unable to confirm this with more sources, so the credibility of this remains uncertain.
“Designing hardware and software together will enable us to do a better job on our long term Windows bets (dual screen, silicon diversity, connectivity, app platform, etc.) and having a single point of Windows Client Experience leadership driving consistent priorities and resourcing across all of Windows client will help all of us accelerate innovation and improve execution,” said Panay in an internal email about his new position.
Going back to the Microsoft reorganisation: Redmond is moving CVP Joe Belfiore to the Office Experience Group, where he will be leading the team. Belfiore previously led the Windows Experience team at Microsoft.
Elsewhere, Microsoft is making some other minor changes. Jeff Teper, who is currently leading OneDrive and SharePoint, will now be leading the Microsoft Teams business as the current CVP of Microsoft Teams Brian Macdonald is retiring from the industry.
Tagged with Joe Belfiore, Microsoft, Microsoft Teams, Panos Panay