Microsoft's New Security Chief Replaces Senior Executives In AI Overhaul: Report

Published 16 July 2026 · tech

Microsoft's New Security Chief Replaces Senior Executives In AI Overhaul: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 13:08 IST Earlier this month Microsoft announced

Microsoft's New Security Chief Replaces Senior Executives In AI Overhaul: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 13:08 IST Earlier this month Microsoft announced that it would lay off 4,800 workers or 2.1 per cent of its workforce, as part of AI restructuring. Rapid Read Microsoft has warned that Windows, Office, Azure and more are at risk. Microsoft AI Overhaul: Microsoft has reportedly begun a major overhaul of its cybersecurity business under new security chief Hayete Gallot, replacing several senior executives, restructuring engineering teams and shifting its focus toward artificial intelligence-powered security products. According to a report by The Information citing unnamed sources, Gallot, who took over as Executive Vice President of Security in February and reports directly to CEO Satya Nadella, has replaced several senior executives who previously reported to former security chief Charlie Bell. Bell remains at Microsoft in a new engineering quality role. Gallot also reportedly cut hundreds of roles as part of the broader layoffs at Microsoft, emphasizing the need for “clarity, conviction, and focus".

As per the report, the overhaul is aimed at accelerating Microsoft’s AI security strategy as the company seeks to strengthen products such as Microsoft Security Copilot, AI-powered code vulnerability scanners and tools that help enterprises monitor their AI agents. Earlier this month Microsoft announced that it would lay off 4,800 workers or 2.1 per cent of its workforce, as part of AI restructuring. Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division has been among the hardest hit by the layoffs, with around 3,200 employees reportedly affected. Asha Sharma, the CEO of Xbox who also happened to join the company in February is said to have planned and executed the layoffs which she dubbed the “Xbox reset." In an internal memo quoted by The Information, Gallot said the technology industry was being “reimagined from the ground up" and that companies would be rewarded for making difficult decisions early and executing them with discipline. “The entire industry is getting reimagined from the ground up. And it will reward the companies that see the shift early, make the hard choices, and execute with discipline.

A few months ago, we made those choices. Now we must execute," the memo reads as accessed by The Information. Joy Chik and Shawn Bice, two prominent senior technology executives are reported to have left along with six others from the leadership team. Bice has since joined Amazon Web Services (AWS), according to his LinkedIn profile. As part of the restructuring, Gallot has brought back Microsoft veteran Naseem Tuffaha as Corporate Vice President and also hired Indian-origin technology executive Rajesh Sundaram, who previously held leadership roles at NetApp and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Gallot returned to Microsoft after serving as President of Customer Experience at Google Cloud. Announcing her appointment in February, CEO Satya Nadella said she would help build on Microsoft’s momentum in cybersecurity, particularly around Security Copilot and AI-driven security products. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How will Microsoft's AI overhaul impact its market position? Microsoft's AI overhaul, including leadership changes and restructuring, aims to strengthen its competitive position and accelerate its AI security strategy.