Jeff Blackburn, A top Amazon media executive is planning to retire in 2023, the e-commerce giant said Friday.
Jeff joined Amazon in 1998 and guided the company through its initial public offering prospectus at Deutsche Bank, Jeff also once served as senior vice president at Amazon.
As part of the transition, the company announced that two of its current executives Mike Hopkins and Steve Boom will head up the media and entertainment businesses of the company a department currently led by Blackburn since last year. The company equally said Mike Hopkins and Steve Boom will report directly to Andy Jassy Amazon Chief Executive Officer.
The businesses currently managed by Jeff include Prime Video, Amazon Studios, Music, Audible, Games, and Twitch.
“I’ve decided to spend 2023 differently, giving more time to family, and feel strongly this is the right decision for me,” said Blackburn.
The company in the statement said Blackburn has been an important figure during the past year and a half, contributing to shows like Rings of Power as well as Amazon’s acquisition of MGM.
Jeff Blackburn left Amazon briefly in February 2021, before returning again in May 2021.
Meanwhile, Amazon has witnessed its share of mass layoffs in November this year, which are now claimed to extend into next year, as stated by CEO Andy Jassy. The company has informed employees in its devices and books departments about the layoff plan. A few employees were also offered a voluntary buyout offer.
Amazon has also unveiled its intention to lay off about 260 corporate workers at various facilities in the state. Amazon is also offering severance packages for the lay off workers.
FYI Amazon is just one among the many tech companies that are witnessing mass layoffs this year. Meta and Twitter also announced job cuts in November, laying off thousands of employees.