Yusuf Mehdi, a 35-year Microsoft veteran who has been its commercial chief marketing officer since 2023, will leave the company after the next fiscal year, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider.
“After 35 extraordinary years at Microsoft – years filled with adventure, challenge, reinvention, and innovation – I’ve decided the time is right to begin planning for my next adventure,” Mehdi wrote in the memo. “I will work through the next fiscal year to help reimagine Windows for the agentic era, grow Microsoft 365 services, and bring our One Copilot vision to life.”
Mehdi leads product marketing for Microsoft AI and Copilot. He is the latest Microsoft executive whose role has changed amid CEO Satya Nadella’s AI reboot. For example, Microsoft recently promoted Judson Althoff, its longtime sales chief, to an expanded role as CEO of the company’s commercial business, and it moved its AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, to its superintelligence team, Business Insider previously reported.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Read the memo below:
Team, After 35 extraordinary years at Microsoft – years filled with adventure, challenge, reinvention, and innovation – I’ve decided the time is right to begin planning for my next adventure! It’s an exciting but difficult decision, as Microsoft has been far more than a place to work. It has truly been the canvas for my life’s work. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of some of the most consequential shifts in technology – from the rise of Windows and the early Internet, to search, gaming, devices, and now one of the most profound platform transitions yet: AI. But while the products and platforms have been remarkable, the most meaningful part of this journey has always been the people. The teams I’ve worked alongside, learned from, built with, and grown with are what have made this experience so special. As I thought about this decision, one thing was crystal clear: I want to ensure I have the time and space to set the team – and our mission – up for continued success. We are in the middle of an incredibly important moment for Microsoft and for our customers. With that in mind, and in alignment with Satya and Takeshi, I will work through the next fiscal year to help reimagine Windows for the agentic era, grow Microsoft 365 services, and bring our One Copilot vision to life. Those of you who know me, know this means I’ll be fully engaged, likely more intensely than ever! I’ve always believed the right way to finish is the same way I’ve always tried to lead: with urgency, ambition, and a commitment to leave things stronger than I found them. There will be time later to reflect and celebrate, but for now, it’s full speed ahead on our mission. I’m genuinely thrilled about the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to spend it building alongside the teams here at Microsoft in service of our customers. With deep gratitude, Yusuf
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