Microsoft Centralizes Artificial Intelligence Efforts as Executive Steps Down

Microsoft Corp. MSFT 0.35 % took advantage of the departure of an influential executive to reorganize efforts around artificial intelligence, one of its strategic priorities. The company announced Thursday that it is concentrating its artificial-intelligence operation in one group. The move comes as Qi Lu, a highly regarded executive in charge of the Office products and Bing search-engine businesses, recovers from a bicycle injury sustained a few months ago. His recovery has been slow, a person familiar with the matter said. Harry Shum, who led the company's research efforts, now will lead artificial intelligence efforts as well, Microsoft said.