Microsoft's Panos Panay leaves to head Amazon devices after cuts

Panos Panay, Microsoft's Chief Product Officer, is leaving after 20 years to take over for Amazon's retiring head of devices.
Insiders say Panay was unhappy after Microsoft made cuts and canceled products in his Windows + Devices division.
Microsoft recently scaled back the Surface hardware business that propelled Panay's career, canceling some experimental products.
At Microsoft, Panay was known as a demanding leader who expected a premium, detail-oriented experience.
Panay's move to Amazon is unsurprising given his passion for consumer products, though Amazon's devices unit has struggled lately.

businessinsider.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/18/2023

Microsoft's Panos Panay leaves to lead Alexa, Echo at Amazon

Main topic: Panos Panay has been hired by Amazon to lead the division responsible for Alexa and Echo smart devices, replacing Dave Limp. Key points: 1. Panos Panay, former chief product officer at Microsoft, will be joining Amazon to oversee the Alexa and Echo division. 2. This move comes as Dave Limp, the previous executive in charge of Alexa and Echo, announced his retirement. 3. Panay's transition from Microsoft to Amazon involves him taking over a division that experienced layoffs last year.

9/19/2023

Tech and Travel Stocks See Analyst Rating Changes, M&A Activity Continues in Software Space

Amazon is set to hire Panos Panay, departing Microsoft Windows and Surface chief, while Apple reports high demand for its iPhones; in other news, CRM, CCL, RCL, PLNT, INTU, SPLK, S, CLX, and BGS all have various stock updates.

9/20/2023

Amazon to Unveil New Fire TVs, Echo Speakers, Eero WiFi at Annual Devices Event

Amazon is expected to announce updates to its lineup of devices, including new Fire TV sticks, Echo speakers and displays, Ring cameras, Blink devices, and a eero WiFi, at its annual devices event, which will mark the retirement of Amazon's senior vice president of devices and services, David Limp. Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay is rumored to be Amazon's new devices head, and the event will not be available for public livestream.

9/21/2023

Microsoft to unveil new Surface devices and AI plans at Sept 21 event after Panay's resignation

Microsoft is set to announce new Surface hardware and discuss its vision for AI-powered features in Windows, Office, Bing, and other products at a special event in New York City, following the departure of former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay who is rumored to be joining Amazon.

9/21/2023

Microsoft Trims Surface Lineup, Cancels Experimental Devices as Panay Departs

Microsoft has cut several niche or experimental Surface hardware products from its lineup, including the Surface Headphones and Surface Studio, as part of its reduction in device portfolio, which is one of the reasons for Panos Panay's sudden departure from the company.

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Posted 9/20/2023, 7:23:00 PM

Microsoft's Panos Panay leaves to head Amazon devices after cuts

Panos Panay, Microsoft's Chief Product Officer, is leaving after 20 years to take over for Amazon's retiring head of devices.
Insiders say Panay was unhappy after Microsoft made cuts and canceled products in his Windows + Devices division.
Microsoft recently scaled back the Surface hardware business that propelled Panay's career, canceling some experimental products.
At Microsoft, Panay was known as a demanding leader who expected a premium, detail-oriented experience.
Panay's move to Amazon is unsurprising given his passion for consumer products, though Amazon's devices unit has struggled lately.

businessinsider.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/18/2023

Microsoft's Panos Panay leaves to lead Alexa, Echo at Amazon

9/19/2023

Tech and Travel Stocks See Analyst Rating Changes, M&A Activity Continues in Software Space

9/20/2023

Amazon to Unveil New Fire TVs, Echo Speakers, Eero WiFi at Annual Devices Event

9/21/2023

Microsoft to unveil new Surface devices and AI plans at Sept 21 event after Panay's resignation

9/21/2023

Microsoft Trims Surface Lineup, Cancels Experimental Devices as Panay Departs