New Delhi : In a strategic move, Microsoft has welcomed Aparna Chennapragada, an Indian-American tech industry stalwart and former Google executive, as its Corporate Vice President. With an impressive track record of over two decades in product development, design, and strategy, Chennapragada brings her extensive expertise to Microsoft’s leadership team.
Chennapragada, who recently served as the Chief Product Officer of the stock trading app Robinhood, will lead Microsoft’s generative AI endeavors within Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Designer, a software product that competes directly with industry giants like Adobe and Canva.
In her announcement on LinkedIn, Chennapragada expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “With generative AI, there is an opportunity to build products that instantly and easily bring your intent and imagination to life. That’s why I am super excited to share that I am joining Microsoft as Corporate VP leading efforts on AI-first creation experiences.”
Holding a degree from the prestigious IIT Madras, Chennapragada expressed her admiration for Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, and his vision to empower individuals and organizations globally through AI. “I’m looking forward to diving in and putting AI to use to unleash our collective creativity!” she shared on her LinkedIn post.
Chennapragada’s illustrious career includes 12 years of leadership roles at Google, where she spearheaded product, engineering, and design teams across Google Search, Shopping, and AR. She also held positions as Vice President for Consumer Shopping and led the development of AR and visual search products. In addition, she serves as a board member of eBay.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Chennapragada holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Madras and holds double Master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Texas and Management and Engineering from MIT.
This strategic appointment is taking place against the backdrop of an intense rivalry between Google and Microsoft in the field of artificial intelligence. Chennapragada’s arrival follows another prominent appointment within Microsoft, with Indian-American Rohini Srivathsa recently assuming the role of Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft India and South Asia in September.
Moreover, in August, Puneet Chandok was named Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia, further emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to this dynamic region.
