Panos Panay going to amazon

[Cmaier]

Panos Panay is reportedly heading to Amazon after leaving Microsoft

It didn’t take long to learn Panos Panay’s new home. The industry veteran, instrumental in developing Windows 11 and the Microsoft Surface line of 2-in-1s and laptops, will land at Amazon.

www.engadget.com

Was the Surface/Windows guy at Microsoft. Now in charge of Echo or something at Amazon after 20 years at MS.

 

[Roller]

When I read the thread title, I thought he was headed to South America.

 

[Aaronage]

No idea if this is true, but not thrilled about the possibility.
The devices org covers a lot - Alexa/Echo, Fire devices, Ring, Blink etc.

 

[Aaronage]

Confirmed https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/co...e that,leading the Windows + Devices division.



Dave Limp’s leadership was pretty solid. I hate the idea of a long-term Microsoftee taking the reins.

 

[Cmaier]

Confirmed https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/panos-panay-joins-amazon-devices-and-services#:~:text=Quick note to share that,leading the Windows + Devices division.



Dave Limp’s leadership was pretty solid. I hate the idea of a long-term Microsoftee taking the reins.

seems like a step backwards for him

 

[Aaronage]

seems like a step backwards for him

I'm not sure. The devices org covers Fire (tablets, dongles, TVs etc.), Kindle, Echo/Alexa, Ring, Blink, Eero, Zoox etc. - mostly well loved products moving in interesting directions.
I guess Windows trumps all of that, but it doesn’t strike me as a rewarding project to oversee. It doesn’t seem possible to do anything interesting with Windows - everything Microsoft has tried over the last decade and change has been a total disaster.

 

[Yoused]

everything Microsoft has tried over the last decade and change has been a total disaster

Well, not everything. Windows and Office seem to be doing ok.



but, uh, <cough> Surface …

 

[Nycturne]

I'm not sure. The devices org covers Fire (tablets, dongles, TVs etc.), Kindle, Echo/Alexa, Ring, Blink, Eero, Zoox etc. - mostly well loved products moving in interesting directions.
I guess Windows trumps all of that, but it doesn’t strike me as a rewarding project to oversee. It doesn’t seem possible to do anything interesting with Windows - everything Microsoft has tried over the last decade and change has been a total disaster.

I think it depends on how you look at it.

Panos was responsible for the Surface team before taking on Windows as well. Expanding the line of in-house devices as Microsoft built up chops for designing laptops, tablets and a desktop or two for mass production while trying to not step on the toes of partners is a whole thing.

Amazon has some interesting devices here, but many are mature products already in their rhythm and/or purchases (Ring, Blink, Eero and Zoox). Unless Amazon wanted him for some new project or restructuring effort, it seems like an odd choice for him.

That all said, it seems like whomever takes over Windows tends to leave the company as their next move. But if you report to the CEO, there’s not much else you can do to get promoted within the company other than become the CEO’s successor.