Microsoft hired a Google exec to replace security boss Charlie Bell, who is moving to a new IC role, internal memo shows

Microsoft’s security boss, Charlie Bell, is moving to a new role as an individual contributor, and the company hired Google executive Hayete Gallot to replace him, according to an internal memo from CEO Satya Nadella.

Gallot is a former Microsoft executive who joined Google in 2024 as president of customer experience for Google Cloud. Nadella called out Gallot’s 15 years of experience at Microsoft in senior leadership roles across engineering and sales, and said Gallot was instrumental in the company’s security business.

Bell, considered a key building of Amazon Web Services, joined Microsoft in 2021 to run a newly formed organization focused on cybersecurity. There was recent speculation inside Microsoft that Bell was preparing to retire. Bell’s new role will be “focused on engineering quality,” according to the memo.

Microsoft has faced security challenges during Bell’s tenure.

The Department of Homeland Security in 2024, for example, condemned Microsoft…