Family Over Career: Microsoft Veteran Makes a Life-Changing Decision

Kesavan Shanmugam, an Indian-origin technology executive who served as Vice President of Engineering at Microsoft, has decided to step away from his career after 23 years with the company. During his tenure, he built an impressive professional record and contributed to engineering initiatives involving Excel Copilot and agentic AI systems. In October 2026, he announced his decision to retire, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his ageing parents in India.

In his LinkedIn farewell message, Kesavan acknowledged that leaving behind exciting projects and talented colleagues was a difficult choice. However, he said prioritising family and friends was the right decision for this stage of his life. He also expressed gratitude to Microsoft and his colleagues for making his 23-year journey memorable. His decision has resonated with professionals reflecting on work-life balance, highlighting that personal fulfilment can mean spending time with loved ones rather than pursuing the next promotion or a bigger salary.