Amazon’s Audible fired over 100 employees

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 12, 2024 17:25 IST

In a move aimed at streamlining operations, Amazon's Audible division has decided to reduce its staff by approximately 5%, with around 100 employees affected, according to a memo from Audible CEO Bob Carrigan, which was accessed by CNBC. This decision comes as part of Amazon's broader strategy to enhance efficiency and position its units for continued success. The announcement follows recent layoffs in other Amazon units, including Prime Video, MGM Studios, and Twitch livestreaming.

In his memo, Carrigan acknowledged the challenging decision, emphasizing the need for Audible to become leaner and more efficient in response to the evolving landscape. The move is seen as essential for delivering top-notch audio storytelling to customers worldwide.

Amazon acquired Audible in 2008 for about $300 million, and the division has largely operated independently. However, the current staff reduction reflects the broader trend within Amazon, which initiated significant layoffs in 2022 and 2023, affecting over 27,000 jobs across various areas of the company.

The memo from Carrigan reassures employees about the company's overall health, noting the successful year in 2023 and expressing gratitude for the hard work of the staff. However, it underscores the necessity of making tough decisions to ensure continued success in the face of challenges.

Approximately 5% of Audible's workforce will be impacted by the reduction, with affected employees already receiving meeting invitations for discussions with HR business partners and team leaders. Carrigan expressed appreciation for the departing colleagues and assured ongoing support for their transition to new opportunities.

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The CEO recognized the uncertainty felt by those remaining in the company and emphasized that the decisions were made with the long-term strengthening of the business in mind. Carrigan pledged to share more about the company's future plans and address questions during the upcoming Global Allofus meeting in January.

While the staff reduction may present challenges, Carrigan remains optimistic about Audible's ability to sustain momentum and global growth, reinforcing its position as a leader in audio storytelling. The move aligns with Amazon's ongoing efforts to optimize its various divisions and adapt to the evolving market dynamics.