Andela, the prominent global marketplace for technical talent, has announced the appointment of Carrol Chang as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jeremy Johnson, the company’s co-founder who will step down as CEO but remain on the board. Chang, who previously served as the global head of Driver and Courier Operations at Uber, will also join Andela’s Board of Directors on September 17, 2024.
Chang’s appointment comes as Andela, which has evolved from a groundbreaking African startup into a billion-dollar unicorn, embarks on a new phase of growth. Known for her expertise in scaling businesses during periods of rapid expansion, Chang is expected to guide Andela through its next chapter with a focus on innovation and global reach.
During her tenure at Uber, Chang played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s driver network to nearly seven million individuals across 70 countries. This experience underscores her ability to manage large-scale operations and navigate complex global markets. Her leadership at Uber, combined with her roles at McKinsey & Company and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, positions her well to advance Andela’s mission of connecting top-tier talent with global opportunities.
In her first statement as CEO, Chang expressed enthusiasm about her new role: “It is an honor to lead a mission-driven company like Andela. The opportunity to shape the future of the global talent market, valued at $8.5 trillion, is both exciting and challenging. I am eager to continue Andela’s mission of bridging the gap between talented individuals and global employers.”
Jeremy Johnson, who co-founded Andela in 2014, praised Chang’s appointment, stating, “The digital transformation of global hiring is just beginning, and Carrol is the perfect leader to drive Andela’s next chapter. Her strategic vision and deep understanding of marketplace dynamics will be crucial as we work towards becoming the world’s most trusted talent marketplace.”
Under Johnson’s leadership, Andela has trained over 110,000 technologists from more than 135 countries, significantly impacting job creation and career development globally. The company reached unicorn status in 2021 following a $200 million Series E funding round led by SoftBank, and has since expanded into Latin and South America.
In 2023, Andela acquired Qualified, an assessment platform for engineering talent, further solidifying its position in the talent marketplace. As Chang takes the helm, Andela aims to build on its success and continue its mission of connecting skilled professionals with global opportunities.
