Priya Priyadarshini is the Corporate Vice President, HR for one of Microsoft’s largest and most mission‑critical engineering organizations—the Experiences + Devices (E+D) division. This global team of more than 35,000 employees builds many of Microsoft’s most iconic products, including Windows, Microsoft 365, Surface, Office, Teams, and the AI‑powered Copilot experiences.
Her work focuses on aligning people priorities with business outcomes—guiding organizations through complexity and change, stewarding leadership development, and strengthening a culture grounded in inclusion, care, and accountability. At the heart of her leadership is a deep belief that technology is only as powerful as the humanity behind it.
Priya’s journey began nearly 20 years ago at Microsoft as an intern. Since then, she has grown through a wide range of HR leadership roles.Originally from Bihar, India, Priya’s roots deeply shape her values. She is a strong advocate for girl empowerment and access to education, believing that when we invest early and intentionally in girls and young people, we unlock possibility not just for individuals, but for entire communities. This commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity carries through both her professional work and her philanthropic efforts.
Beyond Microsoft, Priya serves on the board of Youth Care and has supported organizations including Birthday Dreams, Apprenti, and the University of Minnesota. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in technology from India.
Outside of work, Priya is a mom, a philanthropist, a lifelong reader, and a wannabe chef. She enjoys hiking, camping, and foraging for mushrooms. She lives with her husband Rakesh and 14 yr old son Riyansh in Woodinville, Washington.
She is guided by a belief captured beautifully by Rumi:
“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal.”
