Andela, the tech talent outsourcing company that skyrocketed to unicorn status, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Carrol Chang as its new CEO. Chang, who officially steps into the role on September 17, 2024, will be taking over from co-founder Jeremy Johnson, who has led the company for a decade. Johnson will continue to serve on Andela’s board, ensuring a smooth transition while remaining actively involved in the company’s strategic direction.
Carrol Chang: A Leader with Global Experience
Chang brings a wealth of experience to Andela, having served as the Global Head of Driver and Courier Operations at Uber, where she was instrumental in managing operations across multiple regions. Her career also includes stints at McKinsey & Company and the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting her diverse background in both the public and private sectors.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Chang stated, “I am deeply grateful for the privilege to lead Andela. It’s rare to find a mission-driven company that also has the potential to create a category-defining business. I’m inspired by the way Jeremy has led Andela to this point, and I appreciate the trust he and the Board now put in me to carry forward its mission.”
Andela’s Evolution: From African Talent Training to Global Marketplace
Andela, founded in 2014, initially made its mark by training African software developers and connecting them with opportunities at U.S. tech companies. Over the years, the company has evolved into a broader talent marketplace, catering to a global audience. This transition was marked by Andela’s expansion into Latin America in 2021 and its achievement of unicorn status following a $200 million Series E funding round led by SoftBank.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Andela has trained over 110,000 tech professionals from more than 135 countries, helping them secure world-class careers. The company’s acquisition of Qualified in 2023, an assessment platform for certifying top engineering talent, further solidified its position as a leader in the global talent market.
Strategic Growth and Future Vision
Johnson, reflecting on his tenure and the future of Andela, commented, “After ten years, I’m deeply proud of the change we’ve helped to catalyze. That said, it’s clear that global hiring is at the beginning of a complete digital transformation, and Carrol is the perfect leader both for Andela’s next stage of growth and to help usher in the era of talent marketplaces.”
As Chang takes the reins, Andela is poised to capture a larger share of the global talent outsourcing market, leveraging its unique position as a bridge between skilled professionals in emerging markets and high-demand tech companies around the world. The company’s focus on expanding its reach while maintaining a strong commitment to its mission-driven approach is expected to drive continued success in the years to come.
Conclusion
Carrol Chang’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter in Andela’s journey as it continues to redefine global talent sourcing. With her leadership, Andela is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital economy and expand its influence in the global tech landscape. As the company moves forward, all eyes will be on how Chang steers Andela through its next phase of growth and innovation.