Microsoft Lays Off AI Director and TypeScript Veteran in Latest Job Cuts

Microsoft has laid off around 6,000 employees—roughly 3% of its global workforce—as part of ongoing organisational restructuring. The cuts affect roles across levels, teams and geographies, including high-profile figures such as Gabriela de Queiroz (director of AI), Microsoft for startups and Ron Buckton, a senior software engineer who spent nearly a decade working on TypeScript.

“We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC.

De Queiroz confirmed her departure on LinkedIn, writing, “I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs.” She added, “No matter how hard you work, how much you advocate for your company, or how much results and visibility you bring... none of that makes you immune to restructuring.”

De Queiroz said she stayed on briefly after the layoff announcement to attend meetings and wrap up work, bidding goodbye to her coworkers. “That felt right to me,” she said. “To those also affected—you’re not alone. We are at least 6,000.”

Buckton also shared his departure, saying, “After 18 years at Microsoft, with roughly a decade of that time working on TypeScript, I have unfortunately been let go in the latest round of layoffs.” He plans to take a few days off before beginning the job search.

The layoffs come despite Microsoft reporting $25.8 billion in quarterly net income and providing an upbeat forecast in late April. According to state filings, 1,985 of the affected roles were tied to the Redmond headquarters, with 1,510 based in the office.

Microsoft had 228,000 employees worldwide as of the end of June.