Apple Poaches Amazon A9 Search Exec For Maps And App Store Search Improvements

Apple has hired away a former Vice President of Search Technology from Amazon, according to 9to5Mac. Benoit Dupin’s profile was removed from Amazon A9’s leadership site, and his LinkedIn now lists him as a Director at Apple. The new role is said to be involved in revamping search specifically as it relates to Apple Maps, according to 9to5Mac’s sources.

The job change is significant because it represents a major poach from Amazon, and specifically its subsidiary that deals exclusively in search and advertising tech. Dupin has been managing Amazon’s search efforts since coming on board in 2007, which means he has a lot of expertise with making sure inputting search terms results in finding the right stuff.

Apple is likely well aware that it needs to shore up its search and discovery options in both the App Store, iTunes Store and Maps, all of which are said to be areas of focus for Dupin at Cupertino. Maps and the App Store in particular have been areas that have come under fire from consumers as not necessarily the most reliable services in Apple’s arsenal, so it makes sense for the company to bring in some fresh talent to tackle these trouble spots.