Meet the New AWS CEO: Matt Garman, the Bulldozer Ready to Transform Amazon’s Cloud Business

In the high-stakes world of cloud computing, change is the only constant. Recently, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been making significant waves. One of the most notable shifts came during an October all-hands meeting, where an AWS employee queried executive Matt Garman about the company’s challenging work environment. The discussion spotlighted Garman’s unique brand of leadership, earning him the nickname “Bulldozer” for his relentless focus on achieving business goals, often at the expense of other priorities. This aggressive approach might be why he now finds himself at the helm of AWS as the new CEO, making him one of the most prominent figures in tech today.

An 18-year veteran at Amazon, Garman is stepping into a role that demands both innovation and adaptability. He replaces Adam Selipsky, who took on the CEO position just three years ago. According to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Selipsky had informally agreed to groom his successor during his tenure, and now it seems the baton has been successfully passed. Patrick Neighorn, an Amazon spokesperson, emphasized Garman’s exceptional mix of skills and experience, suggesting that his familiarity with both customers and the business is unparalleled. This transition sets the stage for Garman to guide AWS through an intensely competitive landscape, particularly as the battle for AI supremacy heats up.

Garman’s journey at Amazon began in 2005 when he joined as an intern while studying at Northwestern’s business school. With industrial engineering degrees from Stanford, he quickly rose through the ranks, dedicating over a decade to managing technical teams at AWS. In a surprising twist, Garman shifted to the role of AWS’s sales and marketing chief in 2020. This move raised eyebrows but ultimately proved successful, earning him the trust of Amazon’s top brass and its investors. His track record speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and thrive, even in roles outside his original technical expertise.

The challenges ahead are daunting. AWS is recovering from a recent slowdown in growth, a situation exacerbated by stiff competition from AI-powered solutions. Microsoft, for example, launched its AI Copilots months before Amazon Q, a delay some employees consider a significant disadvantage. Selipsky had previously cited a decline in startup funding as a factor affecting cloud spending. Garman will need to navigate these turbulent waters, ensuring AWS can keep pace with its rivals while continuing to innovate.

One of Garman’s strategic initiatives is the “One Team” concept within AWS. This approach aims to foster collaboration across different departments, exemplified by the new sales initiative called Delivery Point of View (DPOV). Under DPOV, AWS software consultants are now encouraged to identify sales opportunities, merging their roles with those of traditional salespeople. Last month, Garman sent an email rallying his team to work together in promoting Amazon Q, a clear indication of his commitment to this unified strategy. By breaking down silos and encouraging a more integrated approach, Garman aims to maximize AWS’s potential, driving it toward sustained growth and innovation.

As Garman steps into his new role, the tech world watches with bated breath. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of AWS, a giant in the cloud computing industry. With a blend of technical expertise, sales acumen, and a bulldozer-like drive, Garman is poised to lead AWS through its next chapter, one that promises to be as challenging as it is exciting.