Microsoft Reorganizes, Creates "Microsoft AI" Division Led by DeepMind Cofounder

In a move highlighting its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft announced a major internal reorganization today. The tech giant established a new division, "Microsoft AI," which will be led by industry veteran Mustafa Suleyman.

Suleyman, co-founder of both DeepMind and Inflection AI, joins Microsoft as Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft AI. He will report directly to CEO Satya Nadella and become part of Microsoft's senior leadership team. The new division will focus on advancing consumer AI products and research, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Copilot, the company's AI assistant launched in February 2023.

The reorganization brings products like Bing, Microsoft Edge, and Copilot under the umbrella of Microsoft AI, previously overseen by Mikhail Parakhin. Parakhin and his team will now report directly to Suleyman. Notably absent from the announcement is any mention of the Windows operating system.

Following the departure of former Windows chief Panos Panay last year, Windows was placed under Parakhin's leadership. However, Microsoft's press release regarding the reorganization fails to clarify Windows' placement within the new structure. This ambiguity raises questions:

• Will Windows remain under the Experiences & Devices organization led by Rajesh Jha?

• If so, who will now oversee Windows development?

• Did Windows move to Microsoft AI alongside Parakhin? If so, this signifies a significant shift, placing Windows within the company's core AI focus.

Regardless of Windows' current position, Microsoft's message is clear: AI is now the company's top priority. The emphasis on AI experiences and Copilot suggests a future where Microsoft products are heavily integrated with this technology.