Amazon consumer CEO Dave Clark announces departure

Dave Clark

Amazon’s long-serving consumer business CEO has handed in his resignation, the company has announced.

Dave Clark has served at the company for 23 years, rising from managing a warehouse in Kentucky to overseeing the company’s overall retail business. He was also tasked with managing Amazon’s warehouse and shipping operations, and oversaw the retail business during a period of expansion in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clark was promoted to the role of CEO of worldwide consumer in August 2020, following the retirement of Jeff Wilke. 

In a memo to staff, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy confirmed that Clark will “pursue other opportunities,” away from the company. He said that Amazon is “trying to be thoughtful in our plans for Dave’s succession and any changes we make,” with an update expected “over the next few weeks.” 

Clark himself published his email to staff on Twitter, writing: For some time, I have discussed my intent to transition out of Amazon with my family and others close to me, but I wanted to ensure the teams were setup for success. 

Despite the success afforded it by the pandemic, Amazon is currently facing previously unforeseen challenges. The company is currently dealing with its first quarterly loss since 2015, while Amazon’s overt anti-union practices and ‘gruelling’ work conditions have been well documented and challenged by public figures such as John Oliver.