Jennifer Salke at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Jennifer Salke Steps Down as Amazon MGM Chief

On Mar 30, 2025

Amazon has announced that Jennifer Salke is stepping down as the head of Amazon MGM Studios, a move that may reflect internal dissatisfaction with the company’s streaming strategy in recent years.

Leadership Restructuring at Amazon MGM Studios

Mike Hopkins, the head of Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, confirmed Salke’s departure in an email to employees.

Hopkins praised Salke’s work and stated that her exit would help “flatten our leadership structure.”

Amazon does not plan to replace Salke; instead, the heads of the film and TV studios will now report directly to Hopkins.

Challenges in Amazon’s Streaming Strategy

Salke, a former NBC executive, joined Amazon Studios in 2018 to help transition the company from critically acclaimed productions to mainstream hits.

Despite notable successes, the streaming platform has faced considerable challenges under her leadership.

Notable Amazon Streaming Hits:

Reacher
Jack Ryan
Fallout
The Boys

However, some high-profile projects did not meet expectations:

Mixed Successes and Expensive Misfires:

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Premiered to record viewership but failed to become a global sensation.
Estimated budget exceeded $1 billion.

2. Citadel

An espionage series intended to spawn multiple international spinoffs.
Extensive reshoots made it the second most expensive show ever (after The Rings of Power).
The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Season 2 has been delayed from fall 2025 to spring 2026, with spinoffs put on hold.

Bond Franchise Struggles

Following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022, efforts to produce a new James Bond film have stalled due to conflicts with franchise producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Broccoli reportedly clashed with Amazon leadership, expressing frustration when Salke referred to Bond as mere “content.”
A Wall Street Journal report suggested that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was angered by these tensions and pushed for a resolution.
Eventually, Amazon paid Wilson and Broccoli to relinquish creative control over the franchise.
Salke’s name was notably absent from Amazon’s announcement of the Bond deal.

Salke’s Next Move

Despite stepping down, Salke is not leaving Amazon entirely. She will launch a new film and TV production company with a first-look deal at Amazon, ensuring continued collaboration with the streaming giant.