Amazon Snags Microsoft’s Design Guru to Revolutionize Device Innovation
Staff Editor Amazon Bolsters Device Design Team with Former Microsoft Executive
Amazon has made a significant addition to its device design team, hiring Ralf Groene, the former head of design for Windows and devices at Microsoft. Groene, who played a pivotal role in designing the Microsoft Surface tablet, will now lead design for Amazon’s devices and services business.
The move comes shortly after Groene departs from Microsoft in April 2024, following the appointment of Pavan Davuluri as the new Windows and Surface chief. This transition brings Groene back into collaboration with Panos Panay, with whom he worked closely at Microsoft and who now holds a key position at Amazon.
Groene’s contributions to Microsoft were substantial, particularly in the creation of the Surface line of products. The original Surface tablet, which launched in 2012 as the Surface RT, originated from Groene’s sketches and 3D-printed prototypes. This innovative design has since influenced hybrid laptop designs across the industry for over a decade.
Amazon’s strategic hiring spree extends beyond Groene. The company recently brought on board J Allard, the Xbox cofounder who left Microsoft in 2010. Allard has joined Panay’s team at Amazon, working on new ideas within the devices and services division. Additionally, Aidan Marcuss, a former Windows Cloud executive, has been tapped to lead Amazon’s Fire TV, ads, and AppStore teams.
These high-profile acquisitions underscore Amazon’s commitment to strengthening its position in the device market. With a team of experienced Microsoft veterans now at the helm, the e-commerce giant appears poised to make significant strides in product design and innovation.
As the tech industry watches closely, it remains to be seen how these new additions will shape Amazon’s future device offerings and potentially challenge the market dominance of their former employer.
