Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, announced on Thursday that he plans to leave the company after the next fiscal year, in 2027, ending a 35-year tenure with the tech giant [1, 2]. Mehdi said in an internal memo, "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" [1].
Mehdi has been with Microsoft since the 1990s. During his time, he led marketing efforts for products including Windows, Internet Explorer, Bing, Xbox One, Windows 10, and various AI initiatives like Copilot [1, 2]. He described Microsoft as the "canvas for my life’s work," highlighting his involvement in major technological shifts from Windows operating systems to artificial intelligence [1, 2].
In 2023, Mehdi was appointed Microsoft’s commercial chief marketing officer, a role in which he led product marketing for Microsoft AI and Copilot [2]. Until his departure, he will continue focusing on marketing Windows, Microsoft 365, and Copilot as part of a planned transition [1, 2].
Mehdi is working with CEO Satya Nadella and Chief Marketing Officer Takeshi Numoto on a transition plan, though no successor has been named yet [1]. His announced exit comes amid a spate of retirements and departures by veteran Microsoft leaders, including Rajesh Jha, who retired earlier this year after 35 years with the company [1].
Mehdi said, "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!" [2]. The decision marks the end of a long chapter in Microsoft’s leadership as it continues advancing its AI and cloud businesses.
Mehdi’s departure is set for 2027, following the close of the next fiscal year, allowing for an orderly handover of his responsibilities.
