Amazon entertainment head Jeff Blackburn set to leave in the new year

Jeff Blackburn, who leads Amazon’s entertainment businesses including Prime Video, Amazon Studios, music, games and Audible, is set to retire early next year.

Jeff Blackburn

The exec joined Amazon in the late 1990s and was part of the team that led its IPO. He then retired in March 2020 before returning in May 2021 to lead the tech giant’s media and entertainment interests.

Since returning, Blackburn has overseen the close of the MGM acquisition and the subsequent integration of the Hollywood studio, plus the release of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power series.

In a memo to staff, Amazon president and CEO Andy Jassy said the company was going to “take this time to make some leadership changes.”

As part of the shake-up, Mike Hopkins, who leads Prime Video, Amazon Studios and MGM, will now report to Jassy directly.

In addition, Steve Boom, who was previously the head of Amazon’s music and podcasting teams, will see his remit expand to include oversight of the Audible, Twitch and gaming businesses. He will also now report to Jassy.

The changes are effective from January 1, 2023, with Blackburn remaining with the company for a short time to ensure a smooth transition.

“Amazon wouldn’t be the same company without Jeff, and I’d like to thank him for his many contributions to the company’s success thus far and in the future,” said Jassy.