Amazon names Puneet Gupta to lead AI powered devices business in India

MUMBAI: A familiar face is back in Amazon’s playbook, this time to power the company’s AI ambitions in India. Amazon has appointed Puneet Gupta as director and head of Amazon devices India, entrusting him with the leadership of its AI-enabled devices portfolio, including Alexa with Echo, Fire TV and Kindle.

Based in Bengaluru, Gupta will oversee Amazon’s country strategy for its consumer devices business as the company sharpens its focus on AI-powered experiences and connected devices in one of its fastest-growing markets.

The appointment marks Gupta’s return to Amazon after more than five years. He previously served as category leader for Apparel between January 2016 and February 2021, where he played a key role in scaling Amazon Fashion. During his tenure, the apparel business grew five-fold, became Amazon India’s largest category by units sold and emerged as a major driver of new customer acquisition.

Before rejoining Amazon, Gupta spent more than five years at home improvement retailer IBO (Ebo Mart Private Limited), where he was part of the founding team. As senior vice president and later executive vice president, he helped build the omni-channel business from the ground up, leading category expansion, product development, store rollout and digital transformation across multiple verticals.

Earlier in his career, Gupta held senior leadership positions across India’s retail and consumer goods sectors. He served as Business Head for Men’s Fashion at Jabong, deputy general manager – sales and merchandising at Big Bazaar, manager – sales and marketing at Hindustan Unilever, and began his professional journey as assistant manager – production at ITC Limited.

With more than two decades of experience spanning retail, e-commerce, P&L management, category leadership, sales, marketing and business strategy, Gupta brings a broad leadership background to Amazon’s expanding AI devices ecosystem.

His appointment comes as Amazon continues to strengthen its presence in India’s connected devices market, where AI-powered products and smart home technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in the company’s long-term consumer strategy.