Who is Samir Kumar? 25-year Amazon veteran named as new India head
Samir Kumar has been working with Amazon since 1999 and played an important role in the company’s growth Photograph:( X )
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Samir Kumar leads customer operations across multiple regions, including South Africa, Turkey, and West Asia. In his new role, he will manage Amazon India along with these regions as well
Samir Kumar leads customer operations across multiple regions, including South Africa, Turkey, and West Asia. In his new role, he will manage Amazon India along with these regions as well
Amazon has named Samir Kumar, a 25-year veteran of the e-commerce giant as the new head of the India consumer business starting October 1, 2024. The change in leadership comes following the resignation of Manish Tiwari who had been the team lead of India operations for eight years.
Who is Samir Kumar?
Samir Kumar has been working with Amazon since 1999 and has reportedly played an important role in the company’s growth. He was instrumental in the launch of Amazon India in 2023, the Indian platform of the e-commerce giant. Since then, Amazon India has become one of the most important markets globally.
Currently, Kumar leads customer operations across multiple regions, including South Africa, Turkey, and West Asia. In his new role, he will manage Amazon India along with these regions as well.
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His extensive experience across emerging market positions makes him an important player in Amazon's plan for India, a region that has been a key focus of the e-commerce giant. Amit Agarwal, the senior vice president of the emerging markets said, "With Samir’s extensive experience across emerging markets, I am even more optimistic about the future and our plans to deliver for both customers and the business in India."
A transition in roles as Manish steps down
As a part of this transition in roles, several key executives from Amazon India will report directly to Samir Kumar, including Amit Nanda (managing the marketplace), Harsh Goyal (controlling everyday essentials), and Aastha Jain (leading growth initiatives).
The official statement of Amazon states that the head of emerging markets, Kishore Thota, will report directly to the senior vice president, Amit Agarwal.
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Manish Tiwari, the current head of Amazon India announced his resignation in early August 2024, after serving for more than eight years. He decided to pursue new opportunities outside Amazon but will remain till October, for a smooth transition of leadership. His resignation marks an end to the significant era of Amazon India under his leadership, where he played an integral part in the growth of the business globally.
(With inputs from agencies)
