Cian joined Amazon in 2017 as a Software Development Manager for Alexa Smart Home. He runs a team of engineers who invent the services that enables Alexa connected devices to order physical goods from Amazon when supplies are running low, like a coffee machine when it’s running low on beans - “With our easy to use APIs businesses large and small can take advantage of Amazon's authentication and payment systems, customer service, and fulfilment network to ensure their customers never have that ‘ran out of it’ moment,” Cian explains.

Cian and his team in Dublin were part of a global team involved with the launch of an Alexa powered microwave that has a “Never run out of popcorn” feature. Customers can sign up for DRS when purchasing the microwave and no additional setup at home is required. Cian’s team developed this experience on the retail website and the frictionless setup at home. That is definitively one of his proudest moments at Amazon.  “I get to work with extremely talented, knowledgeable and motivated people while working on exciting new smart home devices,” he says.

Cian deems that every engineer is empowered to have input on other products or services at Amazon. This strong ownership guarantees that the team keep the quality bar exceptionally high. Digging into Amazon’s uniqueness, Cian is prompt to pick up ‘Customer Obsession’ as his favourite Leadership Principle. “When you work on smart home devices, you need to put the customer at the centre of every conversation,” he explains. “Any device or experience we deliver needs to be of the highest standard or it will lead to customer frustration. I’ve pushed back and delayed launches to make sure what we deliver is right for our customers.”

Outside of work, Cian loves making pizza. “I’m constantly trying to perfect that art of making perfect Neapolitan pizza. I amazed by how something so simple, can be so challenging.”