Another Amazon Devices Senior VP Departs in Latest Executive Exit
▼ Summary
– Amazon’s devices division is experiencing its second high-level departure this month with Lindo St. Angel, VP of hardware at Lab126, leaving after 15 years.
– This follows the earlier October departure of Rob Williams, VP of device software and services, who was part of Amazon’s senior leadership advising CEO Andy Jassy.
– The leadership changes occur during a restructuring of the struggling devices unit, which faces layoffs and profitability issues.
– Amazon is launching new AI-powered devices and integrating AI across its operations, including retail, logistics, and consumer products like Echo speakers and smart glasses.
– Wall Street analysts give Amazon stock a Strong Buy consensus rating with a $268.51 average price target, suggesting 21.45% upside potential.
Amazon is navigating another significant leadership transition within its hardware division, with the departure of Lindo St. Angel, a vice president at Lab126. After fifteen years with the company, St. Angel will leave next week. His exit marks the second high-level departure from the devices unit this month, following Rob Williams, who previously served as vice president of device software and services and was part of the senior leadership team advising CEO Andy Jassy.
These leadership changes are occurring during a broader restructuring of the devices division, which has faced recent layoffs and ongoing profitability issues. The unit has struggled to maintain consistent financial performance, even as it remains central to Amazon’s consumer technology strategy.
Amazon is placing significant emphasis on artificial intelligence, as demonstrated by its recent product launches. At a fall event, the company introduced updated Echo smart speakers and new Ring and Blink security cameras, all featuring deeper integration with the Alexa AI assistant. These releases highlight Amazon’s commitment to embedding AI across its consumer hardware lineup.
Internally, the company is also advancing AI and automation within its retail and logistics networks. Two major initiatives, known internally as Blue Jay and Project Eluna, aim to accelerate delivery times and enhance warehouse productivity. In addition, Amazon is developing AI-powered smart glasses for delivery drivers, intended to improve on-road safety and minimize dependence on handheld devices.
For shoppers, Amazon has rolled out a new AI-based feature called “Help Me Decide,” designed to assist customers in making more informed purchasing decisions. This tool analyzes product options and user preferences to recommend suitable items, aiming to simplify the online shopping experience.
While these innovations reflect Amazon’s aggressive push into AI-driven products and services, the recent executive departures underscore the internal pressures of managing large-scale innovation amid cost constraints. Balancing ambitious technological development with operational efficiency remains a critical challenge for the division.
From an investment perspective, Wall Street analysts maintain a positive outlook on Amazon stock. The consensus rating is a Strong Buy, with a twelve-month average price target suggesting notable upside potential. This reflects continued confidence in Amazon’s long-term strategy, even as it addresses leadership and operational hurdles in key business segments.
(Source: Tip Ranks)
