Amazon revealed plans to eliminate approximately 16,000 corporate positions globally, marking the second major round of layoffs within three months. This move, announced by Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, is part of a broader effort to streamline the organization by reducing bureaucratic layers, enhancing ownership, and boosting innovation. The layoffs follow an October 2025 reduction of 14,000 roles, bringing the total cuts to around 30,000. This means the logistics giant cut nearly 10% of its corporate workforce.
Amazon’s leadership attributes the decision to ongoing organizational restructuring aimed at adapting to a rapidly evolving market. CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized cost-cutting measures to free up resources for heavy investments in artificial intelligence, including building data centers to strengthen Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the competitive AI landscape. The company has also shuttered its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, redirecting focus toward Whole Foods and online grocery delivery.
As Amazon navigates these changes, the focus remains on innovation and customer-centric adaptability. While the cuts underscore the tech industry’s volatility, they also highlight the company’s commitment to emerging technologies like AI, which could shape its future trajectory.