Jennifer Salke stepped down as head of Amazon MGM Studios, a division of Amazon (AMZN, Financials), and will continue working with the company under a new production agreement, according to a staff memo from Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
Salke's duties will be divided between Courtenay Valenti, head of film, and Vernon Sanders, head of television, both of whom will now report directly to Hopkins.From NBCUniversal, a Comcast (CMCSA, Financials) subsidiary, Salke joined Amazon in 2018. Over the purchase of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and the debut of original programs meant to compete with worldwide streaming competitors, she guided Amazon's material strategy throughout her time.Hopkins reportedly informed staff members the business would not name a direct successor. Hopkins said that following internal discussions with Salke's direct reports and other studio officials, further adjustments might follow.Salke said she thinks the studio is set for long-term success and voiced faith in the content pipeline and leadership team. She also said that her next chapter will emphasize content creation and talent growth.The change occurs as Amazon presses its operations and competes in streaming, thereby adjusting its entertainment strategy. Analysts have cited Amazon's larger cost-cutting initiatives and recent content changes, notably less funding in failing projects, as indicators of a more concentrated strategy under Hopkins' direction.Salke's production agreement lets her stay linked to Amazon even as she moves into a more creative position, in line with a pattern seen across the entertainment sector as executives move from corporate responsibilities to talent development.
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