Amazon AWS Hires Microsoft AI Leader to Boost Coding and Workplace Tools

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has hired Pedram Rezaei, a seasoned Microsoft executive, to bolster its AI-driven tools for coding and workplace productivity. Rezaei, who spent nearly 20 years at Microsoft, most recently served as a corporate vice president on the Microsoft Superintelligence team. He will now join AWS as a distinguished engineer, focusing on Kiro, AWS's coding tool, and Quick, Amazon’s AI assistant for workplace tasks.

Rezaei’s addition comes as AWS and Microsoft intensify their competition in the AI tools space. AWS reported that Kiro’s user count doubled from the first quarter to the second, while monthly AI users for Quick grew fourfold. In his first few months, Rezaei plans to integrate with the team, understand AWS’s operations, and contribute to tangible projects.

The hire is part of a broader reshuffling within Amazon’s AI teams. In July, AWS expanded its Agentic AI and Emerging Technologies organization to include emerging technologies. Additionally, two longtime AWS engineers, Marvin Theimer and Reto Kramer, have returned to work on neurosymbolic AI and automated reasoning, areas AWS considers critical for the future.

Neurosymbolic AI combines large language models with rule-based systems to ensure AI agents adhere to company policies and procedures. This technology addresses a key concern among enterprise leaders about AI reliability and compliance. AWS’s Swami Sivasubramanian hinted at more high-profile hires to come as the company continues to strengthen its technical leadership team.