Rajesh Jha Retires: Microsoft Leadership Changes & FY27 Focus

March 24, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Rajesh Jha, a veteran Microsoft executive who oversaw the company’s Experiences + Devices group, including the widely used Office suite, announced his retirement today after 35 years with the technology giant. The move, effective July 1st, will see Jha transition to an advisory role, according to a message shared with employees by both Jha and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Jha’s departure marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s leadership as the company navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its integration into core products like Microsoft 365. He has been instrumental in incorporating models from OpenAI and Anthropic into the 365 Copilot add-on, a key component of Microsoft’s AI strategy.

In a memo to employees, Nadella lauded Jha as “a constant throughout my entire life at Microsoft,” praising his “unwavering commitment” and “operational rigor.” Nadella stated Jha is among the leaders who have “truly shaped this company.”

The leadership restructuring announced alongside Jha’s retirement elevates four executives to report directly to Nadella: Perry Clarke, Charles Lamanna, Pavan Davuluri and Ryan Roslansky. Jeff Teper has been promoted to Executive Vice President, while Sumit Chauhan and Kirk Koenigsbauer will assume the role of President. Jha indicated that the full details of the organizational changes will be finalized between now and June, with the aim of minimizing disruption and maintaining momentum.

Jha emphasized that the company’s priorities – the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), the Quality Excellence Initiative (QEI), and Copilot – will remain unchanged. “Let’s keep the intensity here,” he wrote to his team.

The changes come less than a month after Microsoft announced the retirement of Phil Spencer, head of gaming, signaling a period of transition at the highest levels of the company. Jha’s retirement was announced internally this morning, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Nadella, in his message, acknowledged Jha’s lasting impact on Microsoft, stating that the company will “continue to move forward” on the foundation Jha helped build. Jha expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside his colleagues, calling it “an incredible privilege.”