Jeff Bezos isn't just one of the richest men in the world — he has also become one of the most influential executives across an array of indust

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos embraces the spotlight with MGM deal - Axios

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2021-05-27 10:30:02

Jeff Bezos isn't just one of the richest men in the world — he has also become one of the most influential executives across an array of industries beyond online retail, including aerospace, newspapers, and now movies.

Why it matters: Bezos' splashy and far-reaching investments distinguish him from other tech leaders who are trying to lay low as regulatory pressures mount.

The big picture: Bezos preserved his reputation as a quirky, efficiency-obsessed engineer during the years he spent building Amazon into an empire.

Bezos' fondness for red carpet appearances has media insiders questioning whether Amazon's costly MGM Studios acquisition, announced Wednesday, is about bolstering Prime subscriptions or scratching Bezos' Hollywood itch. MGM is the home to several blockbuster franchises, including James Bond.

Be smart: Until relatively recently, Amazon had largely avoided the regulatory spotlight and Bezos was rarely the story himself. But lawmakers have become wary of the tech giant's power and Bezos' influence.