Panos Panay, the longtime leader of Microsoft's Surface hardware and the more recent chief of the Windows operating system announced that he is leaving the company.

"After 19 incredible years at Microsoft, I've decided to turn the page and write the next chapter," Panay wrote on X , the social network formerly known as Twitter. "I’m forever grateful for my time at Microsoft and the amazing people I had the honor to make products with."

Panay started his career at Microsoft as a program manager for PC hardware in 2004, eventually leading Surface. In a 2020 re-organization , Windows also reported into Panay, including the development of Windows 11. In 2021, Panay, as chief product officer, became part of Microsoft's senior leadership team with a direct line to CEO Satya Nadella .

In an email to employees penned by Rajesh Jha, vice president of experience and devices, it was annoucned that Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president & consumer chief marketing officer, will "take on the responsibility of leading the Windows and Surface businesses with our OEM and Retail partners."

"Thank you, Panos, for your impact on our products, culture, company, and industry over the past two decades," Nadella wrote in a statement sent to the press. "I’m grateful for your leadership, support, and all you’ve done for Microsoft and our customers and partners. As Rajesh stated, we remain steadfast and convicted in our strategy and Yusuf Mehdi will take lead on our Windows and Surface businesses and products externally."

Here's the full email that Microsoft sent out to employees today:

Team,

After nearly 20 years at the company, Panos Panay has decided to leave Microsoft. Panos has had an incredible impact on our products and culture as well as the broader devices ecosystem. Under Panos’ leadership, the team created the iconic Surface brand with loved products. More recently, as the leader of Windows, the team has brought amazing services and experiences to hundreds of millions with Windows 11 on innovative devices including those from our OEM partners. He will be missed, and I am personally very grateful for his many contributions over the years. Please join me in wishing him well.

Moving forward, we will double down on our strategy. These changes will be effective immediately with Panos’ help in the transition.

In addition, Charles Simonyi, Terri Chudzik and Erin Kolb will join the E+D management teams and Ralf Groene and Mike Davidson will work together on the best alignment on design teams.

We will set up time for an AMA in the coming days to answer questions. Let’s continue to stay focused on executing on our existing plans. Thank you for all that you do, and the impact that you have for our customers and partners.

Best,

Rajesh

Developing...