Microsoft's Panos Panay abruptly departs company after nearly 20 years, ahead of Surface unveiling

Panos Panay, Microsoft's head of devices and Windows experiences, abruptly announced his departure after 19 years at the company.

The reason for Panay's departure is unclear, though it comes just before a Microsoft hardware event where a new Surface device was expected to be unveiled.

Panay led Microsoft's Surface hardware line and helped develop Windows in an Apple-like dual software/hardware role.

With Panay leaving, Microsoft is reorganizing - Windows planning will be handled by Pavan Davuluri's team.

Rumors suggest Panay may be hired by Amazon to lead its Alexa and Echo device division, though this is unconfirmed.