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Jeff Bezos stepped down as Amazon’s CEO in July 2021, passing the leadership of the company he founded to Andy Jassy. This change marked a significant shift after more than two decades of Bezos’s direct control. However, it is important to note that Bezos still wields considerable influence over Amazon, even though he is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations. He still holds the title of Executive Chaiman on the board and he remains the company’s largest single shareholder, owning approximately 8.6% of its stock.
Bezos’ only direct public involvement is his board member seat (Executive Chairman) but there are rumors that he still takes on tasks from time to time that he is passionate about – like some artificial intelligence projects. He’s also a key influence in the company’s vision and a close confidant to the current CEO Andy Jassey. However, he openly claims that his “day job” is now with another one of his companies – Blue Origin – which is his main professional focus at this time.
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The site Bezos created in his garage has transformed into the biggest store on the internet: https://amzn.to/4hhoYGA
His significant ownership stake gives him significant ownership percentage (8.6%) still means that he is the company’s largest shareholder and that gives him a lot of voting power. As Executive Chair, he also plays an important role in major decisions. His vision and leadership transformed Amazon from an online bookstore into a global e-commerce and technology leader.
Bezos now focuses on other projects, including the Bezos Earth Fund and Blue Origin, his space exploration company. His ongoing involvement with Amazon ensures that his innovative spirit and long-term thinking continue to guide the company’s growth and development.
Who Owns Amazon Now?
Here’s a table reflecting the ownership of Amazon as of February 2025, with Jeff Bezos still holding the highest percentage of the company:
| Owner | Shares | Percentage | Approximate Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Bezos | 909,709,895 | 8.65% | $200 Billion |
| Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co. | 805,725,206 | 7.66% | $177 Billion |
| BlackRock Advisors LLC | 509,235,885 | 4.84% | $112 Billion |
| State Street Corp. | 359,179,990 | 3.42% | $78.8 Billion |
| Fidelity Management & Research Co. LLC | 326,565,552 | 3.11% | $71.6 Billion |
| Mackenzie T Bezos | 200,795,547 | 1.91% | $44 Billion |
| Geode Capital Management LLC | 199,915,046 | 1.90% | $43.8 Billion |
| JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc. | 179,718,747 | 1.71% | $39.4 Billion |
| T. Rowe Price International Ltd. | 178,725,972 | 1.70% | $39.2 Billion |
| Eaton Vance Management | 159,524,213 | 1.52% | $34.9 Billion |
A few key observations:
- Bezos’s Holding: His ownership is still very substantial, though the percentage you provided is slightly lower than some previous estimates.
- Institutional Dominance: As expected, the large institutional investors (Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, Fidelity) hold significant portions of Amazon’s stock. Their combined ownership far outweighs that of any individual.
- Mackenzie Scott: The inclusion of Mackenzie T Bezos (formerly Mackenzie Bezos) highlights her significant holding, acquired as part of her divorce settlement.
Amazon’s Power Dynamics
Who’s at the Top?
Amazon’s leadership structure is interesting. While Andy Jassy is the current CEO, Jeff Bezos still plays a big part. He’s not running the daily show, but he’s definitely not out of the picture. This unique setup raises questions about who really runs things.
The CEO’s Seat
Andy Jassy took over as CEO in July 2021. He previously led Amazon Web Services (AWS), a major part of Amazon’s business. Jassy is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the company.
The Executive Chairman
Jeff Bezos stepped down as CEO but remains the executive chairman of the board. This role gives him influence over major decisions and long-term strategy. He’s still very much involved in Amazon’s future.
Bezos’s Big Stake
Bezos’s influence isn’t just about titles. He owns a huge chunk of Amazon stock. We’re talking around 8.6%. This makes him the largest individual shareholder. That kind of ownership gives him serious voting power and a strong voice in company matters.
What Does Ownership Mean?
Stock ownership means influence. The more stock you own, the more say you have. Bezos’s large stake means his opinions carry a lot of weight. He can impact decisions about everything from new products to company direction.
The Founder’s Footprint
Bezos founded Amazon. He built it from the ground up. His vision and ideas are woven into the company’s DNA. Even though he’s not CEO, his influence as the founder is undeniable. He shaped the company’s culture and continues to be a guiding force.
A Lasting Legacy
Amazon’s success is tied to Bezos. He’s a legendary figure in the business world. His ideas about customer service, innovation, and long-term thinking are still central to how Amazon operates.
Power and Influence at Amazon
So, who runs Amazon? It’s a team effort. Jassy is in charge of daily operations, but Bezos’s influence is still enormous. His ownership stake, his role as executive chairman, and his legacy as the founder all contribute to his continued power at Amazon.
| Role | Person | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| CEO | Andy Jassy | Day-to-day operations, strategic direction |
| Executive Chairman | Jeff Bezos | Major decisions, long-term strategy |
| Largest Individual Shareholder | Jeff Bezos | Voting power, influence over company matters |
Jeff Bezos may have relinquished the CEO title, but his imprint on Amazon remains profound. His continued ownership, coupled with his role as executive chairman and the indelible mark of his founding vision, solidifies his position as a driving force behind the company’s trajectory. This dynamic interplay of leadership and ownership creates a fascinating case study in corporate power.
Key Takeaways
- Jeff Bezos stepped down as Amazon CEO in 2021 but remains Executive Chair
- Bezos owns 8.6% of Amazon, making him the largest individual shareholder
- His continued involvement influences Amazon’s strategic direction and growth
Jeff Bezos’ Role and Influence Post-CEO Tenure
Jeff Bezos maintains significant influence at Amazon despite stepping down as CEO. His large ownership stake and executive chairman position allow him to shape the company’s strategic direction and major decisions.
Ownership and Shareholder Impact
Jeff Bezos owns approximately 8.6% of Amazon’s shares, making him the company’s largest individual shareholder. This substantial stake gives him considerable voting power and financial interest in Amazon’s performance.
As of January 2025, Bezos’ Amazon holdings are worth billions of dollars. The value of his shares fluctuates with Amazon’s stock price, directly impacting his net worth.
His large ownership position allows Bezos to exert influence over shareholder votes and major corporate decisions. Other investors often look to Bezos’ actions as signals about Amazon’s future prospects.
Continued Influence in Amazon’s Direction
Bezos transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman of Amazon’s board in 2021. In this role, he remains involved in key strategic decisions and long-term planning.
He focuses on new product development and major initiatives. Bezos guides Amazon’s expansion into emerging technologies and markets.
His vision still shapes Amazon’s culture and priorities. The company continues to follow Bezos’ leadership principles and customer-centric approach.
Bezos mentors the current CEO, Andy Jassy, providing continuity in Amazon’s leadership. He attends important meetings and weighs in on significant issues facing the company.
Economic and Market Presence
Bezos’ moves are closely watched by investors and analysts. His stock sales or purchases can impact Amazon’s share price and market sentiment.
He remains a prominent figure in the tech industry. Bezos’ opinions on economic trends and market dynamics carry significant weight.
His ventures outside Amazon, like Blue Origin and The Washington Post, expand his influence across multiple sectors. These efforts often intersect with Amazon’s interests in areas like cloud computing and media.
Bezos’ wealth and business acumen make him an influential voice on economic policy and regulation affecting large tech companies.
