Google confirmed the departure to Bloomberg, but declined to provide additional context.

Prior to joining Google, Foster was an executive at Amazon’s Lab126 hardware division. While there, he played an instrumental role in the development of the Kindle, as well as the company’s Echo voice-activated speaker. Foster also had stints at Microsoft and Apple.

It’s unclear what effect Foster’s departure will have on Google’s future hardware aspirations. Citing a “person familiar with the company’s plans, Bloomberg reports Google does not plan to fill Foster’s vacated role, at least not in the immediate future. Presumably, Rick Osterloh, the head of Google’s hardware division, will take on some of Foster’s previous duties.

Recent rumours suggest Google plans to release three Pixel devices in 2017. In addition to updated versions of the Pixel and Pixel XL, the company is said to be working on Pixel-branded phablet-like smartphone or tablet device.

Source: Bloomberg