Microsoft’s chief marketing officer to leave next year

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, is leaving the company after 35 years. Mehdi announced his departure in an internal memo Thursday, noting that he will leave Microsoft next year. He will continue to focus on the Windows business, Copilot for consumers, and the consumer business of Microsoft 365 until 2027.

“When I thought about this decision, one thing was clear: I want to make sure I have the time and space to build this team – and our mission – to continue to be successful,” says Mehdi. his memo. “We are in the middle of a very important time for Microsoft and our customers.”

GeekWire reports that Mehdi is working with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Chief Marketing Officer Takeshi Numoto on the change plan, but the company did not mention it instead. Mehdi is the latest in a line of troubled veterans announced his departure from Microsoft in recent months.

Rajesh Jha, former senior vice president of Microsoft’s experiences and devices group, announced in March that he was retiring after more than 35 years at Microsoft. Jha’s departure has led to a shake-up of Microsoft’s top executives for Windows, Office, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and more.

Mehdi originally started at Microsoft as a student in the 90s, like many former employees. He worked on the launch of Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 early in his career, as well as the marketing of Internet Explorer. He also spent more than 10 years running Microsoft’s search and Internet marketing, including helping to launch Bing. Mehdi also helped launch the Xbox One, Windows 10, and Copilot Plus PC, and has consistently been the face of Microsoft’s consumer efforts in recent years.

“I’ve had the privilege of being part of the evolution of technology – from the development of Windows and the early Internet, to search, games, tools, and now one of the most profound changes in the platform right now: AI,” says Mehdi. “It’s an exciting but difficult decision, because Microsoft has been so much more than a place to work. It’s truly been the canvas for my life’s work.”