Microsoft is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) with the recent appointment of Jay Parikh as the head of its newly formed CoreAI – Platform and Tools division. Announced by CEO Satya Nadella, this strategic move aims to enhance Microsoft’s AI capabilities and infrastructure, positioning the company at the forefront of AI innovation.
Parikh, who previously served as the global head of engineering at Meta (formerly Facebook) and most recently as CEO of Lacework, brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale technical operations. His role will involve overseeing a team dedicated to developing an end-to-end AI stack that caters to both Microsoft’s internal requirements and its third-party customers. This initiative is expected to facilitate the seamless creation and deployment of AI applications and tools.
In a memo to employees, Nadella commended Parikh for his proven track record in scaling technical teams and fostering innovation. He highlighted Parikh’s connections within the startup ecosystem and his commitment to nurturing talent, which are seen as vital assets for Microsoft’s ambitious AI agenda. Nadella stated that the organisational boundaries within Microsoft should not hinder its collaborative efforts in AI development, emphasising the importance of a unified approach.
The CoreAI division will integrate teams from Microsoft’s developer division, AI platforms, and segments from the Office of the CTO. Parikh will work closely with other key leaders, including Mustafa Suleyman, who heads Copilot AI initiatives, and Scott Guthrie, who oversees the cloud division. Nadella expressed his belief that 2025 will be a transformative year for AI, with significant advancements expected in application development.
Parikh’s appointment is part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to leverage AI technologies across its product offerings. The company aims to create “agentic applications” that can learn and adapt autonomously, reflecting a paradigm shift in how software is developed and utilised. This vision aligns with Nadella’s assertion that the current wave of AI innovation is comparable to past technological revolutions.
The establishment of CoreAI marks a pivotal moment for Microsoft as it seeks to solidify its position in an increasingly competitive landscape driven by AI advancements. With Parikh at the helm, the company is poised to drive significant progress in AI research and application development.
