J Allard, the former Microsoft Xbox leader, has now joined Amazon as the Vice President of Product. This news was confirmed by Amazon, stating that Allard has joined the Devices and Services team, which includes products such as the Alexa voice assistant and Echo devices. Allard will be working under former Microsoft executive Panos Panay, who leads the Devices and Services team at Amazon. While it is unclear which specific products Allard will be working on, his experience at Microsoft launching over 40 products makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Allard had a long career at Microsoft from 1991 to 2010, during which he played a key role in launching products such as Xbox, Xbox Live, Live Arcade, and Xbox 360. He was known for identifying opportunities such as the internet as a killer application in a memo in 1994. Allard was also involved in the development of a project called Courier, focused on a dual-screen tablet, although it never made it to market. Following his time at Microsoft, he founded Project 529, a service aimed at combating bicycle theft, which was later acquired by Two Three Bird.
After leaving Microsoft, Allard briefly joined Intellivision before moving on to GoFundMe as the Chief Product and Technology Officer from July 2022 to July 2023. In both roles, he led tech infrastructure and oversaw product, design, and engineering teams. Allard’s experience in the video game industry and technology sector makes him a valuable addition to any team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His work on innovative projects such as Courier and Project 529 showcases his ability to think outside the box and drive success in new ventures.
Allard’s move to Amazon as the Vice President of Product is a significant step for the tech industry, bringing his expertise to a new set of products and initiatives. Joining the Devices and Services team at Amazon puts him in a position to work on cutting-edge technologies such as the Alexa voice assistant and Echo devices, which have become integral to many households. Working under Panos Panay, another former Microsoft executive, Allard has the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team and contribute to the continued success of Amazon’s hardware offerings.
In the fast-paced and ever-changing tech industry, having someone like Allard on board can provide a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to drive product development and improve user experiences. His experience in launching successful products at Microsoft and his work on community-focused projects such as Project 529 demonstrate his versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of challenges. Allard’s move to Amazon marks a new chapter in his career, where he has the opportunity to work on exciting new projects and make a significant impact in the world of technology.
Overall, J Allard’s transition to Amazon as the Vice President of Product is an exciting development for both him and the company. With his background in the video game industry, technology sector, and community-focused projects, Allard brings a unique skill set and perspective to Amazon’s Devices and Services team. His previous experience launching successful products and identifying new opportunities make him a valuable asset to any organization, and his presence at Amazon is sure to lead to innovative new developments in the tech industry.
