What happened
Amazon established a new AI organisation, led by Peter DeSantis, consolidating its foundational model and AI work, custom silicon division, and quantum computing initiatives. This reorganisation integrates Nova models, AWS internal chips, and underlying infrastructure, aiming for a full-stack AI strategy. Rohit Prasad, the former AI lead, has departed. DeSantis, a 27-year Amazon veteran with expertise in systems design and cost management, now reports directly to CEO Andy Jassy.
Why it matters
This reorganisation introduces a tightened dependency on a centralised AI strategy, potentially reducing flexibility for business units in selecting AI models, custom silicon, or underlying infrastructure. The consolidation under a single leader with a focus on cost efficiency and a full-stack approach creates an oversight burden for IT architecture and procurement teams to ensure alignment with the new unified direction. This also raises due diligence requirements for business unit leads to understand and adapt to the evolving central AI roadmap.
