John Schoettler, the vice president of Amazon’s Global Real Estate and Facilities, is retiring at the end of 2024 after 23 years with the company. Schoettler played a significant role in the growth of Amazon’s office space, expanding it from 1 million square feet to over 65 million square feet in more than 60 countries. He oversaw the company’s expansion to regional headquarters in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, and the creation of a second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Schoettler also managed real estate initiatives during Amazon’s disputes with Seattle civic leaders, the transition to remote work during the pandemic, and efforts to adjust office spaces for hybrid work. His retirement coincides with Amazon’s plans to bring employees back to the office five days a week next year.
Shannon Loew, a 20-year veteran in the real estate industry who joined Amazon in January 2023, will succeed Schoettler as vice president of Amazon’s Global Real Estate & Facilities team. Loew began overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team earlier this year. Schoettler announced his retirement at a Puget Sound Business Journal event where he was recognized for his contributions as an Amazon executive and in the community. Amazon thanked Schoettler for his leadership and vision in creating collaborative office spaces for global corporate employees and supporting the communities where the company invests.
Amazon highlighted Schoettler’s community initiatives, such as the Mary’s Place Family Center at the company’s Seattle headquarters and the Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund that provided support to small businesses near Amazon’s locations during the pandemic. Schoettler was also involved in various community organizations, serving on the board of Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Board of Regents at Washington State University, and chairing the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the boards of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Seattle Association, and Cascade Public Media (KCTS9).
Schoettler’s departure comes at a crucial time for Amazon as it navigates the return to the office post-pandemic. His successor, Shannon Loew, will be tasked with continuing the company’s real estate and facilities strategy and leading the team through the transition back to in-person work. Amazon has stated that Schoettler’s vision helped integrate Amazon into the communities where it operates by investing in downtown economies globally. Loew’s leadership will play a key role in maintaining Amazon’s commitment to creating collaborative workspaces for employees while supporting local communities.
Shannon Loew’s extensive experience in the real estate industry and his tenure at Amazon since 2023 position him well to take on the role of vice president of Amazon’s Global Real Estate & Facilities team. Loew’s leadership will be critical as Amazon adjusts to the changing landscape of work post-pandemic and continues to expand its footprint globally. With Schoettler’s retirement coming at a time of significant transition for Amazon’s real estate operations, Loew’s leadership will be vital in maintaining the company’s commitment to creating innovative and collaborative work environments for its employees.
As Amazon prepares to bring employees back to the office full-time next year, the company’s Global Real Estate & Facilities team, now led by Shannon Loew, will play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition back to in-person work. Schoettler’s retirement marks the end of an era in Amazon’s real estate strategy, but with Loew stepping into the role, the company is poised to continue its growth and expansion while remaining committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. Loew’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping Amazon’s future real estate initiatives and maintaining its reputation as a global leader in office space innovation.
