Amazon has announced that it has hired Panos Panay, the former chief product officer of Microsoft, to lead its Devices & Services division. Panay will replace David Limp, who is retiring after seven years in charge of Amazon’s device business.

Panos Panay is known for his role in developing Microsoft’s Surface line of devices and Windows 11 operating system. He left Microsoft earlier this month, shortly before the company unveiled its new generation of Surface products.

According to a report, Panay will join Amazon at the end of October and work with Limp for a smooth transition. He will oversee Amazon’s device portfolio, which includes Echo speakers, Fire tablets, Kindle e-readers, Ring cameras, and Alexa voice assistant.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that Panos Panay is a strong product builder and inventor who has deep experience in both hardware and integrated services. He added that he is excited about the invention happening and businesses that Amazon is building in its device division.

Limp, who hosted Amazon’s annual product launch last week, said that he has known Panay for years and believes he will be a great addition to the organization. He said that he will work diligently with him for the next two months to ensure a smooth transition through the fall launches and planning.

Panos Panay confirmed his departure from Microsoft and his appointment at Amazon on X (formerly Twitter). He said that he is grateful for his time at Microsoft and looking forward to joining Amazon and working with Jassy and Limp.

Panay’s arrival at Amazon comes at a time when the company is facing challenges in its device business, such as slowing growth, low profitability, and internal morale issues. Amazon is also competing with rivals like Apple, Google, and Samsung in the crowded and fast-changing device market.

The Amazon Devices & Services division is responsible for creating and managing a wide range of products and services that integrate with Amazon’s ecosystem. This includes devices like the Kindle, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, Echo smart speakers, and services like Alexa, which is a cloud-based voice service compatible with over 140,000 devices.

The division focuses on ambient intelligence, which aims to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with devices and services to provide more value than any single product could offer on its own. This approach is designed to make everyday tasks easier, whether at home or on the go.

Amazon’s vision for this division is to create products that are not only innovative but also deeply integrated into the lives of users, providing convenience and enhancing the smart home experience. For instance, the Halo Rise is a no-contact sleep tracker introduced by Amazon, showcasing the company’s commitment to health and wellness through technology.

Moreover, the division is also a hub for invention and creativity, where new ideas are turned into reality, from the concept stage to launch and beyond. It’s a place where technology meets practicality, aiming to improve the lives of millions around the globe.

Stellantis UK reshuffles management for Premium and Jeep brands