Leadership Moves and Industry Shifts: A Roundup of Notable Appointments and Transitions

The world of technology, AI, and beyond has seen a wave of significant leadership changes and transitions in recent months. From seasoned executives joining new ventures to fresh faces taking on pivotal roles, these moves underscore the evolving landscape of industries such as artificial intelligence, marine conservation, and more. Below, we explore some of the most notable appointments and shifts that are reshaping the future of these sectors.

Umesh Shankar Joins Microsoft AI to Bolster Privacy and Security Efforts

In a move that highlights the growing importance of privacy and security in the AI space, Umesh Shankar has joined Microsoft AI as Corporate Vice President of Engineering. Shankar, a New York City-based leader with nearly two decades of experience at Google, brings a wealth of expertise in cloud security. Most recently, he served as Google Cloud Security’s Chief Technologist and Distinguished Engineer. At Microsoft, Shankar will spearhead a new privacy and security engineering initiative focused on Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant.

Shankar’s move is part of a broader trend of Google veterans migrating to Microsoft AI. Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, emphasized the importance of Shankar’s role in building secure technical foundations that will enable faster innovation in AI. Shankar himself noted on LinkedIn that strong protections and user control are essential for advancing AI responsibly. His addition to Microsoft AI signals a commitment to prioritizing security as the company continues to expand its AI capabilities.

Leadership Shifts Across Tech and Beyond: A Snapshot of Key Moves

The recent weeks have also seen a flurry of leadership changes across various industries. In the remittance space, Remitly co-founder Josh Hug has stepped down as Vice Chair of the company’s board of directors, transitioning to a board member role. Hug, now based in Miami, has a storied career that includes co-founding Shelfari, which was later acquired by Amazon, and holding leadership roles at RealNetworks. His expertise in product development and operations will continue to influence Remitly’s trajectory in the competitive fintech landscape.

In another significant move, Kate Cohen has joined Boise-based recruiting software company Crelate as Vice President of Marketing. Cohen, who previously led marketing efforts at Voltron Data, Randstad USA, and Aptum, brings a proven track record in driving brand growth and innovation. Her appointment reflects Crelate’s focus on enhancing its market presence in the talent acquisition space.

Meanwhile, in the world of journalism, Dina Bass, a veteran Bloomberg reporter known for her in-depth coverage of Microsoft, has shifted her focus to AI infrastructure. Bass will explore the rapidly evolving ecosystem of chips, servers, networking, and energy as they relate to AI development. Her expertise will undoubtedly shed light on the critical challenges and opportunities shaping this field. Brody Ford will step into her former role, teaming up with Matt Day to cover Microsoft.

Peggy Sloan Takes the Helm at Seattle Aquarium, Championing Marine Conservation

In a move that highlights the importance of leadership in marine conservation, Peggy Sloan has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Seattle Aquarium. Sloan, an expert in marine biology, succeeds Bob Davidson, who is retiring after more than 22 years of service. Sloan brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Her return to the Pacific Northwest marks a homecoming of sorts, as she once served as a NOAA fisheries observer in the Bering Sea.

Sloan’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the Seattle Aquarium, which recently celebrated the opening of its immersive Ocean Pavilion expansion. As a global leader in marine conservation and restoration, the institution is poised to continue its groundbreaking work under Sloan’s leadership. Her deep understanding of marine ecosystems and her commitment to education and conservation will undoubtedly shape the aquarium’s future initiatives.

Advances in AI and Tech: Key Appointments Driving Innovation

The AI and tech industries continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and recent appointments highlight the talent and expertise being marshaled to drive innovation. Adam Loving, a veteran of Pioneer Square Labs (PSL) in Seattle, has joined Meta’s Bellevue office as a Partner Engineer on the Llama Enterprise team. During his nearly decade-long tenure at PSL, Loving played a pivotal role in supporting startups and developing innovative products, including Picco, an LLM-powered code generation agent. His transition to Meta underscores the company’s focus on advancing its AI capabilities, particularly in the realm of enterprise solutions.

In another notable move, Werner Koepf, a longtime Seattle engineer, has been appointed Chief Product and Technology Officer at Lilt, a multilingual translation platform. Koepf, who previously served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Karat, brings a diverse background, having held leadership roles at companies like Expedia, Amazon, and Ticketmaster. His expertise in scaling technology teams and driving product innovation will be instrumental in Lilt’s mission to simplify and enhance translation services for global audiences.

Katharine Reinhold and the Future of Consumer Product Innovation

Katharine Reinhold, a seasoned innovation leader, has taken on the role of Executive Director at Built Oregon, an organization dedicated to supporting the state’s consumer product companies and ecosystem. Reinhold, who previously served as a mentor and board member at Built Oregon, brings a rich background in driving innovation, most notably during her 13-year tenure at Adidas, where she led the company’s innovation efforts. She also serves as Chief Product Officer for Pod, a leadership and business consulting company.

Reinhold’s appointment reflects Built Oregon’s commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for consumer product companies. Her deep understanding of innovation strategies and her ability to connect businesses with resources and talent will be invaluable as the organization continues to support startups and established brands alike. Under her leadership, Built Oregon is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of consumer products in the region.

Recognizing Emerging Talent and Pioneering Research

Amid the flurry of leadership changes, it’s also important to recognize the rising stars and groundbreaking research that are shaping the future of their respective fields. Jeremy Hollis, a research assistant in the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, has been named the 2025 winner of the prestigious Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award. Hollis’s work focuses on a protein component implicated in multiple diseases, and his research has the potential to unlock new avenues for medical treatments.

This recognition not only highlights Hollis’s dedication to scientific inquiry but also underscores the critical role of early-career researchers in advancing medical knowledge. As institutions like Fred Hutch continue to nurture talent and support pioneering research, the possibilities for groundbreaking discoveries grow.

Herman Radtke and the Rise of Recommerce

Finally, Herman Radtke has been appointed Chief Technologist at Trove, a California-based “recommerce” company that specializes in helping brands like Levi’s, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher create circular shopping experiences. Radtke, who previously held senior engineering roles at Narvar and Nordstrom Rack, brings a deep understanding of retail technology and sustainability. His expertise will be crucial as Trove continues to scale its platform and expand its partnerships with major brands.

Radtke’s appointment reflects the growing momentum of the recommerce movement, which is redefining how consumers engage with fashion and other industries. By leveraging technology to create sustainable shopping experiences, Trove is helping brands reduce waste and connect with environmentally conscious consumers.

These appointments and transitions highlight the dynamic and ever-changing nature of industries ranging from AI to marine conservation. As leaders like Umesh Shankar, Peggy Sloan, and Katharine Reinhold take on new roles, they bring with them the expertise and vision needed to drive innovation and address the challenges of tomorrow. Whether it’s advancing AI security, championing sustainability, or fostering a new generation of researchers, these moves underscore the importance of leadership in shaping the future.