Wolfe Herd Returns as Bumble CEO Amid Challenges

Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and executive chair of Bumble, will return as CEO in March 2025, succeeding Lidiane Jones, who is stepping down for personal reasons after a year marked by a significant decline in Bumble's stock. This leadership change comes amid sluggish growth and fierce competition in the dating app market, compounded by sticky inflation and a lack of new features. Bumble's recent financial challenges included a 50% drop in shares and its first quarterly sales decline since going public, though it expects to exceed its fourth-quarter revenue forecast with projected revenue between $256 million and $262 million and adjusted EBITDA between $70 million and $73 million. Ann Mather has been appointed as chair of the board, and Bumble is enhancing its leadership team with new appointments, including Michael Affronti as Chief Product Officer. Wolfe Herd's return aims to rejuvenate investor confidence and address the company's growth challenges, especially in appealing to Gen Z users.