Microsoft Merges Windows and Surface Hardware Teams Under Panos Panay
Microsoft is combining its Windows client and hardware divisions into a single "Windows and Devices" team led by Chief Product Officer Panos Panay. The reorganization formally aligns the operating system and Surface hardware development.
Microsoft is combining its Windows client and hardware teams into a single unified group called Windows and Devices. This newly formed division reports directly to Chief Product Officer Panos Panay as part of a broader reorganization within the company's Experiences and Devices unit. The structural change officially takes effect on February 25.
As part of this shift, Corporate Vice President Joe Belfiore moves from leading the Windows Experience business to the Office side of the company. Belfiore joins Ales Holecek to lead the Office Experience Group while continuing to manage Microsoft's mobile apps on Android and iOS. The reorganization does not impact the Core OS and Intelligent Edge team, which remains under the Azure organization.
This merger formalizes Microsoft's recent approach of designing Windows, Office, and Surface products simultaneously. By uniting the software and hardware divisions under one leader, Microsoft aims to boost the internal and external visibility of Windows while ensuring seamless integration across its flagship devices and operating system.