Microsoft’s former head of design for Windows and devices has started a new role at Amazon this week. Ralf Groene was responsible for the design of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, and worked closely with former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay on a line of Surface devices over the past decade.

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 joins former Windows and Surface lead Panos Panay at Amazon. Panay left Microsoft in 2023 in a move that surprised many. The list of former Microsoft leads and executives is sizeable at this point, and also includes Xbox cofounder J Allard, who also works on the Amazon Devices & Services team.