Ralf Groene, a key figure in the design of Microsoft’s devices for more than 17 years, has emerged from a short-lived retirement with a new role, as the vice president leading design for Amazon’s Devices & Services business.
Groene announced his new position in a LinkedIn post Tuesday afternoon.
At Amazon, he joins Panos Panay, the former Microsoft Windows and Surface leader who now oversees Amazon’s Devices & Services business, including Kindle e-readers, Echo smart speakers and displays, and other Amazon devices, in addition to the Alexa voice assistant.
“We are excited to welcome Ralf Groene to the Amazon Devices & Services team,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. “His experience and knowledge are valuable additions to the company and we look forward to seeing what he and his teams deliver on behalf of Amazon customers.”
At Microsoft, Groene oversaw the design team responsible for products including Microsoft Surface, Xbox, and HoloLens, among other products. He had announced his retirement in April 2024.
Source: Microsoft’s former head of Windows and Devices design to lead Amazon Devices & Services design
