Panos Panay, director of Microsoft’s product sector, responsible for the development of Windows, Surface and others, disclosed on Monday (18) that he is leaving the company. In recent years, Panay has become one of Microsoft’s leading figures, taking the lead in some of the company’s announcements.
In his place, the company chose Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of “modern life, research and devices” (these big techs love to use positions with a giant name), to command Windows and Surface — Microsoft’s line of computers and laptops.
Panay was at the forefront of Windows 11 development
In 2021, Panos Panay “led” the presentation of Windows 11, the current generation of Microsoft’s operating system. For some, this will be a good legacy from Panay’s time as head of the company’s product division — a position he assumed in 2018. For others, a system that promised more.
Debates aside, under the command of the American of Greek origin, Windows 11 finally transformed the Microsoft Store into a useful and practical app store. As highlighted in the presentation of the operating system, the new store brings support for Android applications. With this, Gen Z can even use TikTok on their Windows computers.
The announcement of his departure was made by Panay on X/Twitter. The Verge had access to the email sent by Rajesh Jha, Microsoft’s vice president of experience and devices, to company employees informing them of Panay’s termination. In the text, Jha thanked the work done by the former director in recent years — as did Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.