Black & Decker exec to become Amazon president

Amazon.com filled its opening for a president and chief operating officer, hiring former Black & Decker executive Joseph Galli.

Galli's appointment is effective immediately, and the 41 year old is expected to begin working for the online merchant within a week. As the company's first-ever president and COO, Galli will report directly to Amazon founder and chief executive officer Jeff Bezos, according to Amazon spokesman Paul Capelli.

Galli will take over the daily operations of the company, while Bezos will focus on strategic planning, Capelli said.

"We feel fortunate and lucky to fill this position so quickly," Capelli said. "It usually takes some time."

Amazon announced in April that it was searching for a COO and a chief financial officer. Although Joy Covey currently holds the CFO position, the company said that she would become chief strategy officer. Capelli said Amazon is still in the "beginning stages" of filling the CFO position.

Prior to coming to Amazon, Galli served as president of Black & Decker's worldwide power tools and accessories unit. He left Black & Decker in April after being with the company for 19 years.

Capelli said Galli will relocate to Amazon's Seattle from Baltimore, where he resides.