Amazon is facing a significant leadership change as Rob Williams, Vice President of Device Software and Services and a member of the elite S-team, announced he will step down by the end of 2025. Williams, who has been with Amazon for 12 years and joined the S-team in late 2022, has played a key role in shaping the software and user experience for Echo speakers, Fire TV devices, and Kindle e-readers. S-team members are considered the company’s top advisors, making his departure rare and highly notable.

In an internal memo, Panos Panay, Senior VP of Devices and Services, praised Williams’ contributions and shared organizational updates, including the merger of the Alexa Smart Vehicle team into the broader Alexa group. Tapas Roy, previously VP of Fire TV product and engineering, will take over Williams’ responsibilities. Williams will continue as an advisor to Panay and the S-team until the end of 2025, ensuring a smooth transition within the devices division.

Williams’ exit comes at a time when Amazon is ramping up innovation in its devices and services division. The division has faced challenges, including multiple rounds of layoffs and a slow rollout of AI-powered Alexa updates. Earlier this week, at its annual devices event, Amazon unveiled new Echo speakers, color Kindle e-readers, and Fire TV sets with improved screens, alongside the launch of Vega OS, designed to replace Android on Fire TV with faster performance, lower costs, and a better user experience. With Williams’ departure, Amazon’s devices division enters a transition phase, balancing leadership, innovation, and profitability.