Microsoft Assembles New AI Group Led by Ex-Meta Execs, Including Jay Parikh

A leaked Microsoft organizational chart provides insight into the leadership structure of the newly formed CoreAI group, which is at the heart of Microsoft’s ambitious AI development efforts. In January 2023, CEO Satya Nadella appointed Jay Parikh, formerly Meta’s head of engineering, to lead this unit. The goal of CoreAI is to enable developers to create AI agents that can effectively collaborate with human employees, a key strategy in Microsoft’s broader AI ambitions. The chart, shared with Business Insider, reveals several high-profile executives who have joined Parikh in his mission. Notably, many of these leaders come from Parikh’s previous tenure at Meta, suggesting a continuity in strategy and expertise as he transitions to his new role at Microsoft. Asha Sharma, Corporate Vice President of Product, AI Platform Asha Sharma leads the product development for Microsoft’s AI platform, managing a team of almost 400 employees. She brings a wealth of experience from her roles as the chief operating officer at Instacart and a vice president at Meta, where she worked alongside Parikh. Her expertise in scaling operations and managing complex technological platforms will be crucial for CoreAI’s success. Eric Boyd, Corporate Vice President of Engineering Eric Boyd, who has been involved in AI research at Microsoft for over a decade, now oversees a team of more than 2,200 employees. When the CoreAI group was established, Boyd’s team was placed under Parikh’s leadership. Last year, there were concerns within the team that their work was becoming subservient to OpenAI’s needs. However, under Parikh’s direction, the focus seems to be realigned towards Microsoft’s own AI goals. Julia Liuson, President of Microsoft Developer Division Julia Liuson heads the largest segment of the CoreAI organization, with around 7,000 of the 10,000 employees reporting to her. With over 33 years of service at Microsoft, Liuson brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong track record in developing tools and platforms for developers. Her team, known internally as DevDiv, is crucial for the integration of AI capabilities into Microsoft’s developer ecosystem. Caitie McCaffrey, Member of Technical Staff Caitie McCaffrey, formerly a technical advisor to Satya Nadella, reports directly to Parikh. Her responsibilities include leading critical technical initiatives and setting engineering standards to enhance security, quality, and productivity. McCaffrey’s hands-on approach and direct line to Microsoft’s CEO highlight her importance in driving the technological vision for CoreAI. Jason Taylor, Corporate Vice President of AI Infrastructure Jason Taylor, Microsoft’s deputy chief technology officer, previously served as a vice president of infrastructure at Meta. His team, though small with only about eight members, plays a vital role in building the robust infrastructure needed to support Microsoft’s AI initiatives. Taylor’s experience with large-scale systems at Meta will be invaluable in ensuring the stability and scalability of CoreAI’s infrastructure. Michael Kirkland, Vice President of Engagement Michael Kirkland, a recent addition to the CoreAI team, has been hired to manage engagement as the vice president. Currently, Kirkland has no direct reports, but his background as a vice president of technology communications at Meta suggests he will play a significant role in communicating the organization’s progress and achievements to both internal and external stakeholders. Tim Bozarth, Corporate Vice President of EngThrive Tim Bozarth, who joined Microsoft from Google in 2022, leads EngThrive, an internal initiative aimed at improving engineering efficiency and developer experiences across the company. With a team of a few dozen direct reports, Bozarth’s efforts are expected to complement CoreAI’s work by creating a more streamlined and productive environment for developers. The formation of the CoreAI group and the selection of its leadership signal a significant shift in Microsoft’s AI strategy. By bringing in seasoned executives with diverse backgrounds, particularly those with Meta connections, Nadella aims to accelerate the development and integration of AI technologies within Microsoft’s offerings. This move is seen as a response to the competitive landscape, especially the rapid advancements in AI by companies like Google and OpenAI. Industry insiders view Parikh’s appointment and the team he has assembled as a strategic move that could position Microsoft as a leader in the AI development space. The blend of internal expertise and external talent, along with the clear focus on developer-centric AI solutions, is lauded as a well-thought-out approach. Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities is evident through the substantial resources allocated to CoreAI, including a large team of dedicated engineers and developers. Overall, the structure and leadership of the CoreAI group reflect a determined effort to not only catch up but surpass current AI leaders. This aligns with Microsoft’s history of innovation and its ongoing push to remain at the forefront of technological advancement. The company’s emphasis on building AI agents that can seamlessly integrate into human workflows underscores a practical and forward-looking approach to AI development that could have far-reaching implications for both the tech industry and end-users. The organizational changes and strategic hires indicate that Microsoft is serious about leveraging AI to transform various aspects of its business, from software development to consumer services. As the AI race intensifies, Microsoft’s efforts in this area will undoubtedly be closely watched by competitors and industry observers alike.