Amazon Announces Major Global Job Cuts Affecting 16,000 Corporate Roles
In a significant corporate restructuring move, Amazon has revealed plans to eliminate nearly 16,000 corporate positions worldwide. This announcement marks the second substantial round of layoffs within months, as the e-commerce giant intensifies its efforts to streamline operations and reduce internal organizational complexity.
Organizational Changes Aimed at Creating Leaner Structure
The decision was communicated to Amazon employees by Beth Galetti, the company's Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology. In her message to staff, Galetti explained that these layoffs represent part of a broader set of organizational changes designed to make Amazon more efficient and responsive.
"The goal is to reduce layers of management, cut down on bureaucracy, and give teams clearer ownership of their work," Galetti stated in her communication to affected employees. This restructuring initiative follows earlier workforce reductions and reflects Amazon's ongoing commitment to operational simplification.
Support Measures for Affected Employees
For employees based in the United States who are impacted by these job cuts, Amazon has established specific support mechanisms:
- Affected US employees will receive a 90-day period to explore internal opportunities within Amazon
- Those who choose not to or cannot transition to new roles will receive comprehensive severance packages
- The company has committed to providing additional support services during this transition period
Leadership Behind the Restructuring
Beth Galetti, who has been with Amazon since 2013, plays a central role in the company's human resources strategy and internal technology systems. Her career trajectory includes:
- Nearly a decade at FedEx in senior technology and operations roles before joining Amazon
- Steady advancement within Amazon's HR division since her arrival
- Current responsibility for overseeing systems and policies supporting over one million Amazon employees globally
Galetti's portfolio at Amazon has included major initiatives such as workforce development programs and the implementation of the company's return-to-office policy. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she serves as Board Chair of global health nonprofit PATH since 2022 and participates in various community-focused initiatives.
Educational Background and Personal Life
The Amazon executive holds a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from Colorado Technical University. Based in Seattle, Galetti balances her influential corporate role with family life, residing with her husband and two daughters.
This latest round of job cuts represents Amazon's continued efforts to optimize its corporate structure amid changing market conditions and operational requirements. The company's focus on reducing management layers and bureaucratic processes reflects broader trends in corporate efficiency initiatives across the technology sector.
