Tech Layoffs: Amazon's Audible division fires employees; read full memo sent by CEO

Amazon's Audible division is reducing approximately 5% of its workforce to ensure future success, according to a memo by CEO Bob Carrigan, cited by CNBC.

The cuts follow similar measures in Amazon's Prime Video, MGM Studios and Twitch units. Audible, an audiobook and podcast host, was acquired by Amazon in 2008 for about $300 million.

It has largely operated independently, but is not exempt from Amazon's wider cuts. Amazon started its biggest layoffs ever at the end of 2022, eliminating more than 27,000 jobs across almost all sectors of the company.

Around five percent of Audible's workforce is affected by these reductions. The company is committed to supporting departing colleagues and is taking these steps to strengthen its business for the long term, Carrigan explained in his memo.

Read the whole memo here: 

All,

Today I have some difficult news to share with you. As we begin a new year, we’ve made the tough decision to reduce roles within our organization.

I want to acknowledge the strong year we had in 2023, in which we delivered amazing listening experiences for our customers thanks to outstanding collaboration with creators and partners. Our business is in good shape, and that is because of the hard work of each and every one of you. However, to position us for continued success in the coming year and into the future, given the increasingly challenging landscape we face, we have to take this difficult decision now. As a company driven by our People Principles and in particular Activate Caring, we did not take this route without considerable thought. But getting leaner and more efficient is the way we will need to operate now—and in the foreseeable future—in order to continue delivering best-in-class audio storytelling to our customers around the world.

A big part of what makes working at Audible so special is our many talented and dedicated employees who bring their passion to work each and every day. It’s also what makes it even harder to say goodbye to people we care about.

Approximately five percent of our workforce is impacted by this reduction. Those employees have already received a meeting invite for a conversation with their HR business partners and team leaders.

I recognize the impact this will have on those transitioning out of Audible as well as all of you who remain. Thanks to all who are leaving us for their valuable contributions. Please be assured we will be supporting our departing colleagues as they look for their next opportunity. This is a hard moment, and many of you understandably feel uncertainty about the future. I want you to know that we’re making these decisions to strengthen our business for the long term.

We are well positioned to continue our momentum and sustain the global growth that will keep us the leader in audio storytelling. I will be sharing more about the road ahead, and answering your questions, at January’s Global Allofus meeting.
 

Also read: Amazon to lay off several hundred employees at Prime Video, Studios

Also read: Amazon-owned streaming giant Twitch to slash 35% of workforce amid profitability struggle