Amazon layoffs hit engineers, gaming division, ad business

Core Insights - Amazon has conducted significant layoffs, affecting over 14,000 jobs across various sectors, with the most substantial cuts occurring in engineering roles [1][2][3] - Nearly 40% of the layoffs reported in New York, California, New Jersey, and Washington were in engineering, primarily targeting mid-level software developers [2] - The layoffs are part of CEO Andy Jassy's strategy to streamline operations and enhance decision-making speed, addressing the excess layers added during the pandemic hiring surge [3] Engineering Cuts - More than 500 product and program managers were also laid off, alongside senior and principal level staff [3] - The engineering department faced the deepest cuts, indicating a shift in focus within the company [2][3] AI and Automation - Amazon is reallocating resources towards automation and internal tools, such as its coding assistant, Curo, although AI is not cited as the primary reason for the layoffs [4] - The HR chief described the current wave of AI as the most transformative technology since the internet, emphasizing the need for the company to adapt quickly with a leaner workforce [4] Additional Layoffs - The layoffs also impacted Amazon's gaming division, leading to the shutdown of most in-house development projects [4] - Cuts were made in AI shopping teams and the high-margin advertising business, with further layoffs anticipated in January [5]