Microsoft’s Head of AI and Research Is Leaving the Company

Microsoft has quietly announced a major change in leadership internally today. Mary Jo Foley reports that Microsoft’s head of AI and Research, Harry Shum, is leaving the company next year.

Shum has been at Microsoft for 23 years and most recently led the company’s AI and Research efforts. It’s not clear what he will be doing next, just yet.

Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, will be taking on Shum’s role (in addition to his existing responsibilities) effective immediately. “Harry has had a profound impact on Microsoft. His contributions in the fields of computer science and AI leave a legacy and a strong foundation for future innovation. I want to thank him for his leadership and partnership, and for all he has done for Microsoft,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in an internal announcement.

Shum will leave Microsoft in February 2020, though he will remain at the company for now as an advisor to Satya Nadella and founder Bill Gates.