ASX-listed job marketplace Airtasker will get its first female board leader next month with Cass O’Connor as chairman, as James Spenceley leaves after eight years.
Spenceley, the founder of telco Vocus, is a prolific VC investor and Councilor of North Sydney and more recently established humanitarian organization Aus Ukraine aidwas a seed investor in Airtasker after CEO Tim Fung co-founded the technology platform with Jonathan Lui in 2012 and piloted it through ASX listing in 2021.
In April, the company (ASX:ART) announced it would cut its workforce by 20%, cutting 45 jobs, to return to the black thread.
“With Airtasker’s recently announced cost reduction program and focus on cash flow positivity for FY24, coupled with its strong balance sheet, this is an opportune time to transition to a new chairman, giving me more time to focus on my humanitarian work on short term,” said Spenceley. .
“It has been an honor to serve as chairman of Airtasker for the past 8 years. I am proud of the progress we have made as a company and the impact we have had through our mission in Australia. I wish Airtasker all the best for the future and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive.”
He will retire from the board at the end of June, but will remain on the boards of Kogan.com (ASX:KGN) and Swoop Telecom (ASX:SWP) for the time being.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second year, Spenceley, who is married to a Ukrainian, wants to expand his humanitarian work by supplying the country, ambulances and other essential transport and supplies.
Founder Tim Fung thanked Spenceley for “an incredible contribution” to the company since 2015.
“In addition to being one of our early investors and supporters, James was responsible for achieving key milestones, including pursuing positive operating cash flow, guiding our IPO, enabling critical acquisitions like Oneflare, and driving international expansion,” he said.
“On behalf of the Airtasker board and leadership team, I wish James all the best and am excited to see what else he has up his sleeve!”
Cass O’Connor is president of NextEd (ASX:NXD) and startups including fintech Different and brand influencer marketplace Tribe, and also sits on the board of iCollege. Her career includes chairing Prime Media Group and executive roles at technology companies including OzeMail.
The CEO welcomed O’Connor as the new chairman.
“Cass has a super impressive track record and her extensive experience in the media industry will be a great asset as we explore creative ways to boost our global expansion and support the growth we have achieved in Australia to date. replicate,” Fung said.
“We all look forward to working with Cass to deliver on the Airtasker mission – to empower people to realize the full value of their skills.”
O’Connors helps that it was an exciting time to take the helm at Airtasker.
“The company has built a solid foothold in Australia’s flexible working economy, is poised to replicate its success internationally and has a great brand and values. important,” she said.
“Tim, his executive team, the directors and key backers are recognized and experienced leaders. I am really looking forward to contributing to Airtasker’s growth trajectory.”