Google has announced that it will be laying off employees at Waze as the company transitions the popular navigation app to Google’s ads system. In an email obtained by CNBC, Chris Phillips, VP and GM of Google’s Geo unit, stated that the changes would result in job cuts in sales, marketing, operations, and analytics at Waze. However, the exact number of jobs to be cut has not been disclosed.
Waze confirms the layoffs
Waze has confirmed the layoffs in a statement to The Verge. Caroline Bourdeau, Waze’s head of PR, emphasized Google’s commitment to the growth of Waze’s brand, app, and community. Bourdeau explained that the layoffs were necessary to enhance the long-term experience for Waze advertisers as the company transitions to Google Ads. She also mentioned that affected employees would be provided with mobility resources and severance options in compliance with local regulations.
Integration into the Geo team
The decision to lay off employees comes months after Google announced its plan to integrate Waze into the Geo team, which includes other products such as Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. According to The Wall Street Journal, no layoffs were initially planned during this integration process.
A brighter future for Waze
Despite the job cuts, Google’s focus remains on growing Waze’s unique brand and its dedicated community of volunteers and users. The transition to Google Ads aims to create a more seamless experience for Waze advertisers. By leveraging Google’s advertising technology, Waze hopes to enhance its advertising system and provide advertisers with improved tools and features.
In summary, Google’s decision to transition Waze to its ads system has resulted in layoffs at the company. However, these job cuts are part of a larger strategy to improve the advertising experience for Waze advertisers and ensure the long-term success of the app. While the exact number of job cuts remains undisclosed, Google remains committed to growing Waze’s brand and maintaining its thriving community.
Leave a Reply