Despite Netflix's Struggles, Optimistic About Video Streaming Business
Emphasizes "Better Without" Union Issues
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO, said on the 8th (local time) that he will continue to invest in autonomous vehicles, video streaming, and internet satellites.
Bloomberg reported that CEO Jassy made these remarks in an interview at the Bloomberg Technology Summit held in San Francisco. Despite the slowdown in online sales growth and signs of a global economic recession, he said Amazon is betting on new businesses including building a grocery chain, internet transmission satellites, Alexa software, and the launch of the company's autonomous taxi subsidiary Zoox.
Although Netflix, a competitor in the video streaming business, has recently struggled, CEO Jassy expressed optimism about the prospects of the video streaming business. He said, "We are very encouraged about what we are doing," and regarding the recently acquired film studio MGM, he added, "It fits very well with what we are doing in terms of entertainment."
He also emphasized that while it is uncertain whether Amazon will succeed in the long term, Amazon aims to "become a completely different company."
He also spoke about the recent unionization issue. In the unionization vote held on April 1 this year, out of 8,304 employees, 4,850 participated, and with 2,654 votes in favor, Amazon's first union was established. CEO Jassy said, "We think it is better without a union," but explained that whether to join is up to the workers. He added that it is an easier method for managers to receive feedback from employees and improve issues, emphasizing, "We will provide the right benefits and strive for safety."
When asked about the resignation of Dave Clark, CEO of the Consumer Business Division, who is leaving to run the logistics software startup Flexport, he said, "I do not criticize a veteran with 23 years of experience starting something new." Earlier, Clark was appointed as the new CEO of Flexport and is scheduled to resign on July 1. He will begin his role as Flexport's CEO on September 1.
Meanwhile, regarding Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder, despite being busy with philanthropic activities and managing the private space exploration company Blue Origin, he is still involved with the company. CEO Jassy emphasized, "His advice is very useful," and added, "He has worked for a long time and has always made himself useful."
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