Amazon Devices Chief Pledges Big Alexa Bets Despite Job Cuts

Amazon.com Inc.’s devices chief said the company remains committed to building out the Alexa ecosystem despite job cuts in the once fast-growing division.

When Amazon last month initiated its biggest-ever round of layoffs, they fell first and hardest on the Devices and Services group. The unit is responsible for the Alexa voice-activated assistant, Echo smart speakers, Fire streaming devices and home robots.

In an interview Tuesday, Senior Vice President Dave Limp called the cuts “a painful event and not one you ever want to do.”

Still, he said: “Is there some lack of commitment to Amazon’s devices ...