Amazon Appoints Peter DeSantis to Lead New Division Integrating AI, Microchips, and Quantum Computing

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December 17, 2025

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Background on Peter DeSantis

Peter DeSantis, an Amazon veteran since 1998, has been appointed to spearhead a newly formed division that merges Amazon’s AI General, microchips, and quantum computing teams. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Public Computing Services at Amazon, DeSantis played a crucial role in overseeing most of the engineering teams at Amazon Web Services (AWS).

New Division’s Objective

The primary goal of this new division is to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI), ultimately enhancing customer experience in the long term.

Rohit Prasad’s Departure

In a related move, Rohit Prasad, the current head of AI General and Alexa’s voice programming, will leave Amazon by the end of the year.

Key Actions and Ideas

  • Formation of the New Division: Amazon has created a new division led by Peter DeSantis, combining AI General, microchips, and quantum computing teams.
  • Accelerated AI Development: The division aims to expedite the development of artificial intelligence, improving customer experience over time.
  • DeSantis’ Background: With a 23-year tenure at Amazon, DeSantis has extensive experience in public computing services and overseeing AWS engineering teams.
  • Rohit Prasad’s Departure: Rohit Prasad, who has been instrumental in AI General and Alexa’s voice programming, will be leaving Amazon by year-end.

Key Questions and Answers

  1. Who is Peter DeSantis? Peter DeSantis is a long-time Amazon employee, having joined the company in 1998. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Public Computing Services at Amazon, where he supervised most engineering teams at Amazon Web Services (AWS).
  2. What is the purpose of the new division? The newly formed division, led by Peter DeSantis, aims to merge AI General, microchips, and quantum computing teams to accelerate AI development and enhance customer experience.
  3. Why is Rohit Prasad leaving Amazon? The article does not provide specific reasons for Rohit Prasad’s departure. He will be leaving Amazon by the end of the year after serving as the head of AI General and Alexa’s voice programming.