- Upwork Inc., a global work marketplace, has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors.
- These changes are strategically aligned with the company’s long-term vision to lead as the preeminent destination for AI talent and work, expand enterprise offerings, and deliver exceptional work outcomes for customers.
- The adjustments to the Board aim to bolster Upwork’s continued evolution and strategic growth.
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New Board Appointments:
- Following Upwork’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 5, 2025, two new directors have officially joined the Board:
- Dana L. Evan
- Glenn Kelman
- Following Upwork’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 5, 2025, two new directors have officially joined the Board:
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Board Transitions and Departures:
- Gregory C. Gretsch:
- A founding investor and director since 2014, has retired.
- Concluded his longstanding service on the Board.
- Elizabeth “Betsey” Nelson:
- Joined the Board in 2015.
- Served as Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
- Did not stand for re-election, concluding her service.
- Gratitude for Service: Thomas Layton, Chair of the Board, expressed sincere gratitude to Greg and Betsey for their many years of dedicated service and exceptional contributions.
- Gregory C. Gretsch:
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Profiles of New Board Members:
- Glenn Kelman (CEO of Redfin):
- Brings decades of experience building and leading innovative, technology-powered marketplace businesses at scale.
- Led Redfin since 2005, guiding its significant growth and digital transformation in real estate.
- Previously co-founded Plumtree Software (a publicly traded enterprise software company), holding leadership roles in engineering, product, marketing, and business development.
- Will serve as a member of the Compensation Committee.
- Dana L. Evan (Former CFO of VeriSign; current board member at Box and Nextdoor):
- Offers a strong track record of financial leadership and governance across leading public technology companies.
- Will serve as Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
- Will also be a member of both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
- Glenn Kelman (CEO of Redfin):
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Strategic Rationale Behind Appointments:
- The additions reflect Upwork’s focus on pairing accelerated operational excellence with forward-thinking market leadership.
- Aims to advance the company’s long-term strategy and growth.
- Hayden Brown, President and CEO of Upwork, on the New Directors:
- “Thrilled to welcome Glenn and Dana to our Board… as we reinvent work for the age of AI.”
- Glenn Kelman: Offers “tremendous value as a builder and seasoned operator of marketplace companies.”
- Dana Evan: Brings “exceptional experience in financial strategy, governance, and scaling public companies.”
- Both additions support Upwork as a “pioneer in the new era of AI-powered work.”
- Their “insights and stewardship will help drive our next chapter of durable, profitable growth.”
- Thomas Layton, Chair of the Board, on Alignment with Strategy:
- “Each brings a proven track record of leadership and deep domain expertise that aligns with our strategic priorities.”
- Expressed confidence in their role as “invaluable partners as we support the company’s continued evolution and long-term growth.”
- Upwork’s strategic appointments of Dana L. Evan and Glenn Kelman to its Board underscore its commitment to leading the future of work, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
- The diverse expertise of these new directors in marketplace operations, financial leadership, and scaling technology companies will be instrumental in guiding Upwork’s enterprise expansion and solidifying its position as the premier platform for AI talent.
- This refreshed leadership aims to drive significant, profitable growth as Upwork continues to innovate and adapt to the demands of the AI-powered work era.
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