27 March 2024 — Pavan Davuluri, an IIT Madras alumni and former overseer of Microsoft’s hardware ventures, has been appointed to lead Windows engineering amidst a reorganization within Microsoft’s Engineering and Devices organization.
News in Detail:
Microsoft has internally merged its Windows and Surface teams, reinstating the earlier structure and naming Pavan Davuluri as the head of development for both domains. This move follows a period of separation between the units, during which Windows was under Microsoft’s new AI division. The decision signals a strategic realignment within Microsoft’s Engineering and Devices organization, overseen by Rajesh Jha.
Pavan Davuluri’s promotion comes after the departure of Panos Panay, the former head of Windows and Surface, last September. Following Panay’s exit, Davuluri took on additional responsibilities in Windows engineering, alongside Mikhail Parakhin, who oversees products like Bing, Edge, and Copilot while also serving as CEO of Web and Advertising at Microsoft.
Davuluri has been instrumental in Microsoft’s efforts to optimize Windows for Arm–based devices, a move that aligns with the company’s focus on next-generation AI features and hardware. His leadership marks a pivotal moment as Microsoft prepares to unveil new AI-driven technologies and Arm-based Surface hardware in the near future.
Conclusion:
Pavan Davuluri’s appointment as Microsoft’s Windows chief reflects the company’s strategic restructuring and emphasis on innovation in AI-driven technologies and Arm-based hardware solutions. His expertise and leadership are expected to drive significant advancements in Microsoft’s Windows ecosystem.
