Steve Downer

BSME '96

Portrait of Steve Downer

Downer currently serves as vice president of consumer electronics at Amazon, overseeing worldwide retail business services, U.S. consumer electronics, U.S. automotive, U.S. business products and several worldwide technology solutions organizations. He also serves as vice chair of the Consumer Technology Association, attending executive briefings at the White House to discuss key policy issues such as AI, cybersecurity, trade and supply chain management with government leadership.

Downer began his full-time career in General Electric’s Technical Leadership Program, a two- year comprehensive program consisting of rotations in diverse functional roles. He held multiple positions during his 15-plus years at GE, including general manager for global consumer products, and as commercial leader and managing director for GE Appliances across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, stationed in Brussels, Belgium. 

Purdue experience

Participated in the Co-op Program with General Electric in Louisville, Kentucky.