Whitney Wolfe Herd Set to Reclaim CEO Role at Bumble This March: What It Means for the Future
In a significant leadership shift, Bumble has announced the return of founder Whitney Wolfe Herd as CEO, a role she previously stepped down from in 2023. This move comes at a crucial time for the company, which is navigating challenges in growth and revenue.
Leadership Transition at Bumble
Whitney Wolfe Herd will take over from Lidiane Jones, Bumble’s current CEO, who is stepping down for “personal reasons.” Jones, previously the CEO of Slack, will remain in her position until the transition is complete in mid-March.
Why Founders Return as CEOs
It’s not unusual for founders to reclaim their roles as CEO. Historic instances include Jack Dorsey at Twitter and Steve Jobs at Apple. Founders often have a strong connection to their company’s mission and culture, making them a natural choice for leadership during challenging times.
Bumble’s Current Challenges
Wolfe Herd’s return is especially timely as Bumble faces sluggish growth. The company’s third-quarter 2024 results showed:
- Total revenue decreased to $274 million.
- The number of paying users rose to 4.3 million.
- Average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) fell to $21.17, down from $23.42.
This news may restore investor confidence in Bumble’s leadership and strategic direction.
Looking Ahead: Fourth-Quarter Projections
As Bumble gears up to release its fourth-quarter results next month, the company has indicated it anticipates app revenue to exceed the midpoint of previously provided projections. Additionally, Bumble expects to report adjusted EBITDA within the disclosed outlook range.
In November, the company estimated fourth-quarter revenue to be between $256 million and $262 million, with adjusted EBITDA forecasted between $70 million and $73 million.
For more information on Bumble’s leadership and growth strategies, visit their official website at Bumble.