Former Microsoft Surface Design Lead Takes Helm at Amazon

Ralf Groene, previously Microsoft's head of design for Windows and devices, has embarked on a new venture by joining Amazon this week. Groene, renowned for his pivotal role in shaping the Microsoft Surface tablet, worked closely with former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay over the past decade. This week marks a reunion for the duo as they collaborate again at Amazon on device projects.

Groene departed from Microsoft in April 2024, shortly after Panay left for Amazon. According to a recent update, Groene is now leading the design for Amazon's devices and services sector. His departure from Microsoft followed the appointment of Pavan Davuluri as Microsoft's new Windows and Surface leader.

Throughout his tenure at Microsoft, Groene, alongside Panay, was instrumental in developing the Surface product line. The concept for the original Surface tablet emerged from Groene's sketchbook, initially beginning with sketches that inspired months of prototype development involving 3D-printing and creative techniques. The Surface RT tablet, launched in 2012, set a precedent for hybrid laptop designs that have influenced the market over the past decade.

The addition of Groene to Amazon comes shortly after another significant hire—J Allard, Xbox co-founder, who also joined Panay's team to explore "new ideas." Allard, a Microsoft veteran known for his involvement with the canceled Courier tablet, left Microsoft in 2010.

Groene’s arrival is part of a broader trend of Amazon recruiting top talent from Microsoft, which includes Aidan Marcuss, a former Windows Cloud executive. Marcuss recently joined Amazon and is tasked with leading the Fire TV, ads, and AppStore teams.

This movement of talent suggests a strategic shift at Amazon, perhaps emphasizing innovation within its devices and services division by incorporating leaders renowned for their design and technological expertise from Microsoft.