Top Amazon executive leaving

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Christopher Payne, Amazon.com's general manager for consumer electronics, will leave the company for personal reasons, the company confirmed yesterday.

Payne, 32, developed some of the Seattle-based Internet retailing giant's biggest initiatives, including its auction site.

Carl Gish, 36, formerly vice president of consumer electronics, will take over for Payne.

Spokeswoman Lizzie Allen said Gish had already essentially taken over day-to-day operations for Payne, who normally focused on larger efforts.

She said Payne, who was with the company three years, was leaving to spend more time with his wife and daughter.

Shares in Amazon.com ended the day down 4.5 percent, or 50 cents, at $10.50, on the Nasdaq.