Amazon's Head Of Media And Entertainment Is Retiring

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced that Jeff Blackburn, the company's head of media and entertainment, is retiring from the company for a second time. In 1998, Blackburn joined Amazon after helping with the company's IPO at Deutsche Bank.

Jassy wrote in a note to Amazon staff, "He's done a lot of building over two-plus decades, including helping build our 3P marketplace, Advertising, Amazon Studios/Prime Video, and Music businesses, as well as leading our A9/Search and CorpDev & BusDev orgs," 

Blackburn rejoined Amazon in May of last year to take charge of the company's media and entertainment businesses (Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Music, Podcasts/Wondery, Audible, Games, and Twitch).

There will be some changes in Amazon's executive team as a result of Blackburn's departure. Prime Video, Amazon Studios, and MGM will continue to be led by Mike Hopkins, who will directly report to Jassy.

In addition to managing Audible, Twitch, and Games businesses, Steve Boom, who has been in charge of our Music and Podcasting teams, will now answer to Jassy. The CEO of Amazon stated, "This transition will happen effective January 1, though Blackburn will remain at Amazon through early 2023 to help ensure a smooth transition,"

Blackburn said that he will leave Amazon in January after more than 25 years of intimate association with the company starting with its 1997 initial public offering (IPO). "I've decided to spend 2023 differently, giving more time to family, and feel strongly this is the right decision for me," he stated.