Seattle, USA (WNews Year In Review) – Jeff Bezos steps down as CEO of Amazon after 30 years, becoming executive chairman.
Amazon said on February 2 that Jeff Bezos is stepping down as CEO later this year, a role he’s had since he founded the company nearly 30 years ago.
Bezo was replaced by Andy Jassy, who runs Amazon’s cloud business. Bezos, 57, will then become the company’s executive chairman.
Bezos, who started the company 27 years ago as an internet bookseller, said in a note to employees posted on Amazon’s website, “As Exec Chair I will stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives but also have the time and energy I need to focus on the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue Origin, The Washington Post, and my other passions.”
He added, “I’ve never had more energy, and this isn’t about retiring.”
Launched in 1995, Amazon was a pioneer of fast and free shipping that won over millions of shoppers who used the site to buy diapers, TVs, and just about anything.
