Amazon director slams ‘genius’ leaking info on second HQ

SEATTLE: An economic development director at Amazon.com Inc isn’t happy about a Washington Post report that the e-commerce giant is in advanced talks with a Washington suburb about being the location for its second headquarters.

In a tweet on Saturday, Amazon’s Mike Grella addressed “the genius leaking info”, saying: “You’re not doing Crystal City, Virginia, any favours. And stop treating the NDA (non-disclosure agreement) you signed like a used napkin.”

He didn’t say who he thought leaked the information.

Grella criticised another story in the Post, owned by Amazon founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Jeff Bezos, for speculating about the possible second headquarters location based on flight patterns of Bezos’ jet.

“The search team has earned his trust and the highest use of his time isn’t looking at vacant buildings and land — he has a company to run,” Grella wrote.

If a company’s location intent was judged by where its CEO flies, Grella said in a follow-up tweet, Amazon might also go to Davos, Switzerland; Sun Valley, Idaho; Rome or Hollywood, and Google, Facebook and Tesla might be relocating to “Black Rock Desert, NV”, a reference to the annual Burning Man cultural festival.

Grella doesn’t have direct knowledge of the headquarters search and negotiations, according to a person familiar with the process.

Amazon last year announced plans to invest US$5 billion (RM20.85 billion) and hire 50,000 people over the next 18 years.

A decision is scheduled by yearend, with 20 cities in the United States and Canada in the running.

You’re not doing Crystal City, Virginia, any favours. And stop treating the NDA you signed like a used napkin. MIKE GRELLA

Amazon director of economic development