Microsoft has internally consolidated the Windows and Surface teams, appointing Pavan Davuluri, an alumnus of IIT Madras, to lead development efforts on both fronts.
According to Windows Central, a news outlet specializing in Microsoft-related developments, this decision follows a brief separation period during which Windows briefly fell under Microsoft’s new AI organization.
The reunion of the Windows and Surface teams signifies a return to a familiar structure within Microsoft’s Engineering and Devices organization, which is led by Rajesh Jha.
Pavan Davuluri, previously in charge of Microsoft’s hardware initiatives, will now also head Windows engineering.
This reshuffling comes after the departure of former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay last September. His responsibilities were effectively divided between Davuluri and Mikhail Parakhin. Parakhin assumed leadership of Windows while retaining his role as CEO of Web and Advertising at Microsoft, overseeing products like Bing, Edge, and Copilot.
However, recent developments within Microsoft, including the appointment of DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of a new AI division, prompted a reassessment of team structures. Parakhin’s team was absorbed into the new AI division, leading him to explore other opportunities outside the company.
As a result, Windows is now under Rajesh Jha’s leadership, ensuring that development is overseen by the same individual guiding Surface development.
This move is welcomed by Windows enthusiasts, as it promises enhanced collaboration and coherence between Microsoft’s hardware and software endeavors.
Over the past year, Pavan Davuluri has played a crucial role in optimizing Windows for Arm-based devices. On March 22, he shared news about the release of the first-ever #Surface AI PCs designed exclusively for business, expressing pride in the team’s achievements.
Anticipation is mounting for May 20, when Microsoft is anticipated to unveil new next-generation AI features and Arm-based Surface hardware, providing further insight into the company’s Windows and AI integration vision.