The marketing director left Microsoft after 35 years of service.

Microsoft Announces Leadership Change in Marketing Department

*Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Head of the Marketing Department, will leave Microsoft after 35 years with the company.*

In a memo to colleagues he said that his departure will occur next year. Before leaving, Mehdi will continue working on Windows, Copilot, Microsoft 365, and other consumer products through 2027.

What Mehdi Said
> “When I was contemplating this decision, one thing was absolutely clear: I want to make sure I have the time and opportunity to ensure our team and the overall mission achieve continued success. We are experiencing an incredibly important phase for Microsoft and our customers.”

He emphasized that his exit is tied to the need to give the team “time and opportunity” to continue evolving at a critical moment for the company.

Succession Plan
* Mehdi is working with Satya Nadella (CEO) and other top executives on a transition plan.
* It is not yet known who will fill his position.
* His departure is not the first: in recent months several seasoned leaders have announced exits from Microsoft.

Brief Biography
Period / Position/Role
1990s Intern, worked on Windows 3.1 and Windows 95
Later Marketing for Internet Explorer >10 years Lead of Search and Online Business at Microsoft
Recent Years Involved in launching Xbox One, Windows 10, Copilot + PC
> “I have had the honor of being part of some of the most significant shifts in technology—from the rise of Windows and early internet to search, gaming, devices, and now one of the deepest platform transitions: AI. It’s an exciting but not easy decision because Microsoft has meant so much more to me than just a workplace. It truly became the canvas for the main purpose of my life.”

Conclusion
Yusuf Mehdi will conclude his career at Microsoft after 35 years contributing to key products and services. His departure opens a vacancy that company leaders must fill, underscoring the importance of the transition period for Microsoft’s continued growth.