Amazon shuffles Alexa leadership following high-end tablet release
AMZN•Amazon confirmed a leadership change in its Alexa division a day after announcing its first tablets featuring the voice assistant. Daniel Rausch will step away next month, and Aidan Marcuss will take his place; Alexa+ costs $139 annually with Prime or $20 monthly as a standalone service.
1. Leadership changes
Daniel Rausch, a 17-year Amazon veteran who has led Alexa and Echo as vice president for more than three years, will leave the unit next month. Amazon said he will return in another capacity in its devices and services division in 2027. Aidan Marcuss, currently vice president of Fire TV, advertising and the Amazon appstore, will replace him.
2. Interim responsibilities
Kevin Keith will retain his product and marketing vice president role and temporarily take on Marcuss’ responsibilities. Amazon declined to provide additional detail about the changes.
3. Alexa and new tablets
Amazon’s new Alexa Tablets, announced Thursday, feature Alexa+, a version developed to respond to longer prompts. Alexa+ is included with the $139-per-year Prime membership or costs $20 per month as a standalone service. Alexa has been a consistent money-loser for Amazon since its 2014 release.
