Panos Panay (technology executive)

Panos Costa Panay (Greek: Πάνος Κώστα Παναή)[1] is an American business executive. He led the creation of the Microsoft Surface line of devices and the Windows 11 operating system. He was the Chief Product Officer of Microsoft, where he oversaw the company's Windows and Devices division.[2][3][4] He led the vision and strategy for Windows + Devices, which included the development and design of Windows and Windows 365, the development, design, supply chain, and manufacturing of Microsoft hardware, including Microsoft Surface and Mixed Reality devices, as well as the creation of EDU products and features[5].[6] He announced that he was leaving Microsoft on September 18, 2023.[7]

For the Recording Academy executive, see Panos Panay (music executive).
Panos Panay

MBA BSC
Born
Panos Costa Panay

United States
Alma materCalifornia State University, Northridge
Known forSurface, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft
Panos Panay

Panay introduced Windows 11 on the Windows Experience Blog on June 24, 2021, and launched the Microsoft Surface line of devices on October 26, 2012[8].[2]

Personal life

Panay received an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and a B.Sc. from California State University, Northridge.

He is of Greek-Cypriot descent. His first cousin, Panos (Andreas) Panay, is a music entrepreneur.[9]

Career

Before Microsoft, Panay was responsible for electromechanical devices at NMB Technologies (a subsidiary of MinebeaMitsumi) in Michigan from 2000 to 2004.[10][11]

After joining Microsoft in the PC Hardware organization Panay is credited with creating the Surface line of premium devices in 2012 and Windows 11 in 2021.

At Microsoft Panos Panay's title was Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer. He led the vision and strategy for Windows + Devices, which included the development and design of Windows and Windows 365, the development, design, supply chain, and manufacturing of Microsoft hardware, including Microsoft Surface and Mixed Reality devices, as well as the creation of EDU products and features.[12] Since joining Microsoft in 2004, Panay has become known as a creative visionary in product-making. He created the Surface product line of premium devices in 2012.[13][14]

In 2020 he took over leadership of the Windows operating system at the company and created a new version of Windows - Windows 11 - in 2021.[15] In late August 2021, he was promoted to become an executive vice president and joined the senior leadership team that advises CEO Satya Nadella. [16]

On September 18, 2023, after 19 years of working at Microsoft, Panay announced he was leaving the company via X (Twitter), without announcing a specific plan for his future. He is reportedly heading to Amazon after leaving Microsoft.

Notes
  1. Χαράλαμπος Ζάκος, "Κύπριος έφτιαξε τον υπολογιστή της Microsoft «Surface»-Θα βραβευτεί στο Προεδρικό από τον CIPA", NewsBomb Cyprus June 22, 2017
  2. Panos Panay, "Introducing Windows 11", Windows Experience Blog, June 24, 2021
  3. "Panos Panay (Bio)", Microsoft News Center
  4. "Microsoft to combine Windows Client and Surface teams under product chief Panos Panay". TechSpot. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
  5. Spence, Ewan. "Panos Panay, The Humble Heart Of Success Inside Microsoft's Surface Hardware". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  6. Foley, Mary Jo. "Microsoft to combine its Windows client and hardware teams under Chief Product Officer Panos Panay". ZDNet. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  7. X (Twitter) post
  8. Gallo, Carmine. "A Rockin' Presentation: Microsoft Exec Brings Passion To The Surface". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  9. Reddit, "Ask me anything" with Panos Panay
  10. "Panos Panay to Be Honored At the CIPA International Investment Awards Ceremony", Gold News, June 22, 2017
  11. "Panos Panay" on LinkedIn
  12. Spence, Ewan. "Panos Panay, The Humble Heart Of Success Inside Microsoft's Surface Hardware". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  13. Lance Ulanoff, "With Surface, Microsoft is building a premium brand", Mashable June 15, 2017
  14. Spence, Ewan. "Panos Panay, The Humble Heart Of Success Inside Microsoft's Surface Hardware". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
  15. "Microsoft reorg places Surface evangelist Panos Panay as boss of Windows too – report". www.theregister.com. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
  16. "Microsoft Promotes Product Chief Panay to Senior Leadership Team". Bloomberg. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2022.


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