Amazon executive Jon Jones has been appointed as the new vice president and global head of AWS Startups, replacing Howard Wright who left earlier in the year to join NVIDIA. Jones previously served as vice president for GTM at AWS Products and Services and joined Amazon in 2017. Prior to Amazon, Jones built Google’s first U.S.-based startup accelerator and founded his own startup, Markoza, which provided sales development and IT consulting services. AWS has announced a $230 million investment in generative AI startups, including funding for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, which recently started its second cohort in Seattle at Amazon’s headquarters. Jones spoke at the event alongside AWS CEO Matt Garman and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
Videoconferencing company Zoom has hired Michelle Chang, a longtime leader at Microsoft, as its new CFO. Chang spent over 24 years at Microsoft, most recently as a CFO and corporate vice president overseeing Commercial Sales & Partner Organization. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan praised Chang for being a results and values-driven leader with a track record of implementing growth initiatives while developing talent across functions. Chang is replacing Kelly Steckelberg, who has been with Zoom for seven years. Chang mentioned on LinkedIn that she is excited for Zoomtopia and will have the flexibility to work remotely or at Zoom’s Seattle offices as per a SEC filing outlining her new role. Zoom began asking employees to return to the office two days a week last year.
These recent leadership changes at Amazon and Zoom are reflective of the tech industry’s constant evolution and the importance of experienced leaders in driving growth and innovation. Jones’ appointment as head of AWS Startups and Chang’s hiring as Zoom’s CFO highlight the continued focus on startups and growth in the technology sector. Both companies are investing in new initiatives to support startups and innovative technologies, such as AWS’s investment in generative AI startups and Zoom’s ongoing growth initiatives. Chang’s extensive experience at Microsoft and Jones’ background in building startup accelerators bring valuable expertise to their new roles.
The tech industry is a competitive landscape where companies like Amazon and Zoom are constantly looking for top talent to drive their strategic initiatives forward. The appointments of Jon Jones and Michelle Chang signal the importance of experienced leadership in guiding companies through periods of growth and innovation. Jones’ background in building startup accelerators and Chang’s track record in overseeing growth initiatives at Microsoft make them well-suited for their new roles. The tech sector continues to evolve rapidly, with companies investing in new technologies and strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
The leadership changes at Amazon and Zoom reflect the dynamic nature of the technology industry, where companies are constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Jon Jones’ appointment as head of AWS Startups and Michelle Chang’s hiring as Zoom’s CFO demonstrate the importance of experienced leaders in driving growth and innovation. Both Amazon and Zoom are focused on supporting startups and investing in new technologies to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Jones and Chang bring valuable experience and expertise to their new roles, positioning their companies for continued success in the tech sector.
As the technology industry continues to evolve and grow, companies like Amazon and Zoom are looking to experienced leaders like Jon Jones and Michelle Chang to drive their strategic initiatives forward. Jones’ background in startup accelerators and Chang’s track record at Microsoft highlight the importance of leadership in guiding companies through periods of innovation and growth. The tech sector remains highly competitive, with companies investing in new technologies and approaches to stay ahead of the curve. Amazon and Zoom’s recent leadership changes underscore the ongoing focus on innovation and growth in the technology industry. Jones and Chang are well-positioned to lead their companies into the future and drive success in the competitive tech landscape.
