The job is officially called the technical assistant or advisor, and is unofficially known as Bezos’ “shadow.” They follow, travel, and go to meetings with Bezos, and frequently meet at the end of workdays.
The role means Bezos gets to know high-potential executives better than he otherwise might and gets a much-needed source of support and a second opinion. The shadows get an extraordinary mentor. Since 2003, when the position became more formalized, a series of Amazon
executives have served one- to two-year terms.