The Washington Post is the latest media company to announce layoffs as the industry grapples with a softening ad market.
02.12.2022 - 20:37 / deadline.com
Jeff Blackburn, a 25-year Amazon veteran, who was the prime architect of the company’s expansion into streaming, will be retiring in January. Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy and Blackburn made the announcement in emails to staff this morning, copies of which were obtained by Deadline.
Blackburn most recently served as SVP of Global Media & Entertainment, overseeing all entertainment business, including Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Music, Podcasts/Wondery, Audible, Games, and Twitch, for the past 18 months, since he returned from a sabbatical.
Following his retirement, Mike Hopkins, who will continue to lead Prime Video, Amazon Studios, and MGM, and Steve Boom, who will add oversight of Audible, Twitch and Games to his current duties leading the Music and Podcasting teams, will now report directly to Jassy. Blackburn will help with the transition, which will happen Jan. 1.
“Amazon wouldn’t be the same company without Jeff, and I’d like to thank him for his many contributions to the company’s success thus far and in the future,” Jassy said. “Both Mike and Steve are excellent, deeply experienced leaders, and I look forward to working more with them both (and their teams).”
Blackburn, was a long-time member of original Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ exclusive S-Team and one of his closest associates. He oversaw Amazon’s video-streaming service for seven years until going on a year-long sabbatical in summer 2019.
“Amazon’s opportunities in media, entertainment and sports have never been bigger. I see exciting times ahead for you all,” Blackburn said. “Please know that I’ll remain close … as a fan, mentor, and ambassador for Amazon’s creative businesses – forever.”
Here are Jassy and Blackburn’s notes:
Jassy’s memo:
I wanted to share
The Washington Post is the latest media company to announce layoffs as the industry grapples with a softening ad market.
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