Rob Williams, the Vice President of Device Software and Services at Amazon, has announced his resignation just days after the company’s annual devices and services showcase in New York. A veteran with 12 years at Amazon and a member of the elite S-team that advises CEO Andy Jassy, Williams will depart from his role immediately and leave the company completely by the end of the year, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. Amazon has confirmed this information but has not provided additional details. In the memo, Panos Panay, the senior vice president of devices and services, commended Williams for his leadership and significant contributions.
Panay wrote, “Rob has had a big impact on the software and experiences of nearly all of the products we’ve created and shipped,” adding that Williams has chosen to “retire from Amazon.” This announcement follows a significant product launch in which Amazon unveiled a new range of products, including updated Echo speakers, color Kindle e-readers, and enhanced Fire TV sets. Despite these advancements, Amazon’s devices division has encountered difficulties, including layoffs and financial challenges while working to upgrade Alexa with integrated generative AI technology. Reports suggest that the multi-year Alexa AI initiative has been slower than anticipated, with profitability still uncertain.
Additionally, Amazon is transitioning its Fire tablets to operate on Android for the first time, indicating a broader strategic shift in its device ecosystem. Panay also revealed organizational changes, merging several teams within the devices division. The Alexa Smart Vehicle group will now be part of the main Alexa organization. Furthermore, Tapas Roy, who previously served as VP of Fire TV product and engineering, will take over Williams’ responsibilities as VP of Device Software and Services. Although he is stepping back from his daily role, Williams will continue to serve as an advisor to Panay and remain on the S-team until the end of 2025.
His departure is significant, as exits from the S-team are uncommon and membership in this senior leadership group is seen as a prestigious achievement with direct access to the CEO. Having joined the S-team in 2022, Williams has been pivotal in Amazon’s hardware and software advancements. Earlier this week, he celebrated the launch of Vega, Amazon’s new proprietary operating system intended for forthcoming Fire TV devices. Vega is designed to replace Google’s Android software, promising enhanced performance at reduced costs. In a rare LinkedIn post, his second in two years, Williams referred to Vega as a breakthrough for Amazon’s devices division, asserting, “No one else has anything like it,” and emphasizing its potential to transform Amazon’s smart entertainment experience.
As Amazon intensifies its focus on AI integration and proprietary software, Williams’ retirement signifies the conclusion of a significant era in the evolution of the company’s devices, greatly influencing the Alexa ecosystem, Fire TV advancements, and the future of in-home AI.