Former Surface head Panos Panay officially on the way to Amazon
Amazon just confirmed that Panos Panay will join the company.
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What you need to know
Former Surface and Windows lead Panos Panay is officially on his way to Amazon. Panay will lead Amazon’s Devices & Services business and be on the company’s S-team (senior leadership team).
•Windows 11 ‘23 Update ships Sept 26•What’s new with Surface Laptop Studio 2•Is there a Surface Go 4?•Copilot AI comes to Bing, Edge, & Windows•Why Panos Panay left Microsoft
Previous reports indicated that Panay would join Amazon, and that information is now confirmed. Amazon shared apost confirming Panay’s moveto the company and what his role will be. Panay will lead Amazon’s Devices & Services business. Panay will report to Andy Jassy, the President and CEO of Amazon.
Panos Panay shocked many when he announced that he wouldleave Microsoftafter almost 20 years. Panay held several positions at Microsoft, but his most notable and recent role was Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices division at Microsoft. Panay announced his plans to leave Microsoft last week, just two days before Microsoft’s Surface and AI event.
Amazon hardware chief Dave Limp will retire by the end of this year. Limp will help Panay transition into his new role.
“I’ve known Panos for years, and believe he will be a great addition to this organization moving forward,” said Limp.
“He is a passionate product leader and I can’t wait to see what all of you invent together. I’ll work diligently with him for the next two months to ensure a smooth transition through our fall launches and getting through our OP1 planning.”
Microsoft released a statement last week noting its commitment to Surface remains unchanged. Indeed, the company is releasing its newSurface Laptop Studio 2andSurface Laptop Go 3on October 3. In the meantime, Pavan Davuluri and Yusuf Mehdi will head new teams that take over Panay’s work at Microsoft, including Surface and Windows.
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Let us know in the comments what you think about Panay’s decision and whether you think Microsoft will actually continue with Surface or let it slowly fade away.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
