J Allard, the former Microsoft Xbox leader, has now joined Amazon as Vice President of Product. His LinkedIn profile was updated to reflect this change, confirming his role within Amazon’s Devices and Services team. This team includes products such as the Alexa voice assistant and Echo devices, and is led by former Microsoft executive Panos Panay. Allard’s specific projects at Amazon have not yet been disclosed, but his experience at Microsoft, where he co-founded Xbox and launched over 40 products, suggests he will play a significant role in enhancing Amazon’s technology offerings.
His career at Microsoft spanned from 1991 to 2010, where he served as Chief Experience Officer and Chief Technology Officer in the Entertainment and Devices Division. Allard was instrumental in the creation of Xbox, Xbox Live, Live Arcade, and Xbox 360, establishing himself as a key figure in the gaming industry. Additionally, he identified the internet as a crucial opportunity for the company in a seminal 1994 memo titled “Windows: The Next Killer Application on the Internet.” Despite his success, one notable project Allard was associated with, the Microsoft Courier dual-screen tablet, never came to fruition, although it predated similar products like the Microsoft Surface Duo.
In recent years, Allard has pivoted towards ventures outside of the tech industry. He founded Project 529, a community-powered bicycle theft prevention service, which was acquired by Two Three Bird earlier this year. Allard briefly returned to the video game industry in May 2020 with Intellivision, before transitioning to a role at GoFundMe as Chief Product and Technology Officer. At GoFundMe, he focused on enhancing the company’s tech infrastructure and oversaw product, design, and engineering teams.
Allard’s move to Amazon as Vice President of Product marks a return to the technology sector after his brief hiatus. With his extensive experience at Microsoft and his history of successfully launching products, Allard is well-positioned to make a significant impact within Amazon’s Devices and Services team. His tenure at Microsoft, where he spearheaded the development of popular gaming products and identified key business opportunities, serves as a strong foundation for his new role at Amazon. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Allard’s expertise and strategic vision are likely to contribute to the continued success and innovation of Amazon’s product offerings.
This new role at Amazon represents a continuation of Allard’s impressive career trajectory, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in various industries. From gaming to bicycle theft prevention to online fundraising, Allard has demonstrated his versatility and leadership skills across diverse sectors. His return to the technology sector with Amazon signifies a new chapter in his professional journey, where he will leverage his past experiences and expertise to drive innovation and growth within the company. With his proven track record of launching successful products and identifying emerging opportunities, Allard is poised to make a significant impact within Amazon’s Devices and Services team, shaping the future of technology offerings for the company and its customers.
