Amazon has announced the departure of Jennifer Salke as the head of Amazon MGM Studios, marking a significant shake-up in its streaming leadership. The company will not replace Salke, with the heads of its film and TV studios now reporting directly to Mike Hopkins, the executive overseeing Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
While Hopkins praised Salke’s contributions, the move signals a streamlining of leadership amid ongoing challenges in Amazon’s streaming strategy.
Salke, who joined Amazon Studios in 2018 from NBC, was instrumental in pushing the company toward mainstream entertainment. Under her tenure, Amazon secured hits like The Boys, Jack Ryan, Reacher, and Fallout. However, high-profile projects such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Citadel—both among the most expensive shows ever produced—failed to deliver the expected cultural dominance, raising questions about the platform’s content investments.
Compounding Amazon’s struggles, the company has faced difficulties advancing its James Bond franchise since acquiring MGM in 2022. Reports suggest that long-time Bond producer Barbara Broccoli clashed with Amazon’s approach, with insiders revealing tensions over creative control. A Wall Street Journal report even claimed that Jeff Bezos, angered by Broccoli’s dissatisfaction, pushed for a resolution that ultimately led to Amazon securing greater control of the franchise.
Despite her exit, Salke is set to launch a new film and TV production company with a first-look deal at Amazon. While her departure reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to refine its streaming strategy, industry observers suggest that the company still faces significant hurdles in cementing its place among top-tier streaming platforms.