Amazon CEO Touts New Microsoft Hire Panay As Strong ‘Inventor’

Amazon confirms the hiring of Microsoft’s chief product officer Panos Panay as its new leader of its popular Devices and Services (D&S) organization. Here’s what CEO Andy Jassy has to say about it.

Panos Panay

Microsoft’s former chief product officer, Panos Panay, will officially become Amazon’s new leader of its Devices and Services (D&S) business, reporting directly to CEO Andy Jassy.

“As a strong product builder and inventor who has deep experience in both hardware and integrated services, Panos will be a great addition to our D&S organization moving forward,” said Jassy in a post to employees today.

Panay has been chief product officer for the past several years, tasked with leading the software giant’s Windows and Devices division. Jassy, who is the former CEO of AWS, touted Panay’s nearly 20 years at competitor Microsoft.

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“Before this latest role, Panos held a variety of leadership positions, including Corporate VP for Microsoft Devices, as well as GM of Surface and PC Hardware, where he drove the creation and introduction of the Surface product line,” Jassy said.

“I remain quite excited about the invention happening and businesses that we’re building in D&S, and look forward to working with Panos,” Amazon’s CEO said.

Panay To Join Amazon In October; Dave Limp Will Join Blue Origin

Amazon said Panay will officially start in his new role leading the company’s D&S business. He will work with Amazon’s Dave Limp, senior vice president of D&S, over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.

Limp, who has been with Amazon since 2010, will leave to take on the new role of CEO at Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company Blue Origin.

“Lots to learn, but very excited!” said Limp in a LinkedIn post this week regarding his new CEO role at Blue Origin.

Limp said he’s known Panay for years and believes he will be a great addition to this Amazon.

“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,” Limp said.

Microsoft’s Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Experience and Devices Group, will continue in his position. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, will lead the Windows and Surface businesses with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and retail partners. Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president, Windows silicon and systems integration, will lead a team around silicon, systems and devices that span Windows, client and cloud for an AI world and continue to lead Windows planning and release management.

“Panos has had an incredible impact on our products and culture as well as the broader devices ecosystem,” said Jha in an internal email to employees this month that was shared with CRN. “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.”