Amazon loses top EC2 exec in plane crash

Tom Phillips, Amazon Web Services' (AWS) general manager for Windows in its EC2 cloud, has died in a plane crash. 

Tom Phillips.

The former Microsoft veteran was killed on Saturday when the small plane he was in crashed in Lake Huron, Michigan, the Seattle Times reported. 

Phillips, 52, had spent 18 years with Microsoft before leaving in 2010 to focus on the startup, ITegris. A year later he joined AWS as its general manager for Windows in EC2, according to his LinkedIn profile.

His most recent position at Microsoft was as general manager of Windows automotive and global services, where he helped deliver the Windows Automotive platform for vehicles manufactured by Ford, Fiat and Hyundai amongst others. 

Phillips and the pilot of the single engine plane were reported missing late Saturday night. Michigan State Police said fog was a likely factor in the accident.