Amazon's Rob Williams Steps Down as VP of Device Software and Services
Amazon's Rob Williams, a key member of CEO Andy Jassy's S-team, is stepping down from his role as Vice President of Device Software and Services. Williams, who joined Amazon 12 years ago and the S-team in late 2022, will leave the company at the end of 2025 but continue as an advisor.
The move comes amidst a restructuring in Amazon's devices and teams, which has seen multiple rounds of layoffs. Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, announced the consolidation of several teams. One such change involves the Alexa Smart Vehicle team, which is being moved into the broader Alexa group.
Williams' departure also coincides with significant developments in Amazon's Fire TV devices. The company is internally developing a Linux-based operating system called Vega to replace Android. The first Fire TV products running Vega OS are expected to launch later this month. This shift is part of Amazon's ongoing effort to reduce reliance on Google's Android software.
Following Williams' departure, Tapas Roy has been elevated to his former post, overseeing device software and services. Amazon showcased new products at its devices event held on Tuesday in New York, highlighting the company's continued investment in its hardware division despite recent challenges.
