Dave Limp (pictured) will depart Amazon to replace Bob Smith as CEO of Blue Origin. [Courtesy: Amazon]
Key Takeaways:
Bob Smith is stepping down as CEO of Blue Origin on December 4th and will be replaced by Dave Limp, Amazon's former senior vice president of devices and services.
Limp is expected to bring a "customer-first mindset" and a strong sense of urgency to Blue Origin, having previously overseen successful projects like Kindle and Fire TV, and worked on Amazon's Project Kuiper.
Smith's tenure saw significant growth in employees and sales orders but was marked by repeated delays for the New Glenn rocket, the grounding of the New Shepard spacecraft, and reports of a "toxic workplace culture."
The new CEO's immediate priorities are likely to accelerate Blue Origin's programs, return to flight quickly, and potentially reinvigorate the New Shepard suborbital tourism business to catch up with rivals like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.
Bob Smith is out as CEO of Jeff Bezos’ space tourism baby Blue Origin.
First reported by CNBC and confirmed by Blue Origin to FLYING, Smith will step down to be replaced by Amazon senior vice president of devices and services Dave Limp, who recently announced his own departure.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
