Donald Kossmann

Donald Kossmann is the Vice President of Business Copilot and AI at Microsoft, where he plays a pivotal role in the development and deployment of AI technologies that enhance business processes. He is also recognized as a Distinguished Engineer within the company. Kossmann has been instrumental in the evolution of Microsoft Copilot, which has transitioned from a personal assistant to a comprehensive tool that significantly impacts customer service and sales operations by integrating with various applications to provide real-time data and insights.13

Background and Career

Kossmann has a rich academic background, having spent 13 years as a professor in the Systems Group at ETH Zurich before transitioning to industry roles. He has co-founded multiple companies and has contributed to significant projects in data management, focusing on making cloud data cheaper, more secure, and more valuable. His work includes involvement in projects like Cipherbase and SQL Always Encrypted, which enhance database security and performance.24

Contributions at Microsoft

In his current role, Kossmann emphasizes the importance of responsible AI deployment, ensuring that Microsoft's AI products adhere to high standards of security, compliance, and privacy. He has articulated how Copilot can assist professionals in various sectors—such as healthcare and sales—by automating routine tasks and providing critical information at their fingertips.34 His vision for Copilot includes expanding its capabilities to better serve entire teams rather than just individual users, thereby enhancing overall productivity across organizations.1

Kossmann's leadership in the AI space is characterized by his commitment to integrating advanced technologies with practical business applications, aiming to redefine how businesses operate in an increasingly digital landscape.13