Microsoft product chief Panos Panay steps down

What just happened? Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay is calling it quits after nearly 20 years with the company. Panay hasn't commented on what his next chapter will look like or when it might get started, but we know it won't be with Redmond.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Panay joined Microsoft in April 2004 as a group program manager for their PC hardware division. In 2013, he was promoted to corporate vice president of Surface and PC hardware before becoming chief product officer in April 2018. He's long been a public face of the company and is often featured as a presenter during new product announcements.

The Verge obtained an email from Rajesh Jha, Microsoft EVP of experiences and devices, that was sent to employees regarding Panay's departure. Jha had nothing but positive things to say about Panay, noting how they created the Surface ...