From frying Panos into the Fire? Amazon confirms hiring of Microsoft veteran

Amazon has finally confirmed what many in the industry already suspected: that Panos Panay, Microsoft's recently departed veep for devices, is joining to run its own gadget and service biz. The exec abruptly ended his 19 year tenure at Microsoft last week, only saying that he'd "decided to turn the page and write the next …

[Pascal Monett]

"Alexa staff were included in the extensive layoffs"

Of course they are. Hiring is for upper management. Firing is for peons.

That said, I can't find who for the moment, but that reminds me of an Welsh comedian commenting on Alexa. I'll always remember this :

<in a heavy Welsh accent> "Alexa, what time does Marks & Spencer open on a Sunday ?"

<Alexa> "I'm sorry, I didn't understand."

Yeah, I know, it's not funny like that, but the audio is awesome. If anyone can find that, it would be a blessing.

[navarac]

I wonder ....

....how long he will last at Amazon. There isn't a good track record for longevity of ex-Microsoft staff who go to Amazon. The culture is totally different I gather.