(Reuters) – Former Microsoft product chief Panos Panay has been appointed to lead Amazon.com’s unit responsible for the firm’s Alexa and Echo products, according to an announcement by the e-commerce giant on Wednesday.
Panos Panay, who spent over 19 years at Microsoft and most recently served as the head of the Windows + Devices division, is set to assume the new role in October. He will be taking over from Dave Limp, a 13-year Amazon veteran, who had previously revealed his plan to step down later this year.
The move comes as Amazon seeks to further strengthen its presence in the voice-controlled virtual assistant and smart speaker market. Alexa, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has become a household name and is among the most popular voice-controlled virtual assistants globally. Meanwhile, the Echo line of smart speakers has gained significant popularity as well.
Panos Panay’s extensive experience in the technology industry, particularly his leadership role in developing Microsoft’s Surface line of tablet computers and other successful products, positions him well to lead Amazon’s efforts in the voice assistant space. During his tenure at Microsoft, Panos Panay played a crucial part in the company’s transition from a primarily software-centered approach to a more hardware-focused strategy.
Amazon’s decision to appoint Panos Panay reflects the importance of its Alexa and Echo products in the company’s overall growth strategy. By leveraging Panay’s expertise and track record, Amazon hopes to drive further innovation and expansion in the voice assistant market, creating new opportunities for growth and revenue.
While no specific details regarding Panos Panay’s plans or priorities as the new head of Amazon’s Alexa and Echo unit have been announced, his deep understanding of both hardware and software development is expected to be instrumental in shaping and advancing the company’s voice-controlled virtual assistant offerings.
With the increasing popularity and integration of voice assistants in various aspects of daily life, Amazon’s focus on this market segment is expected to continue to grow. The appointment of Panos Panay signifies Amazon’s commitment to maintaining its position and driving further advancements in voice assistant technology.
Chavi Mehta reporting in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
