The first memo from WeWork’s new co-CEOs Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham suggested that the company may be laying off employees and partaking in other cost-cutting efforts.
“As we look toward a future IPO, we will closely review all aspects of our company with the intention of strengthening our core business and improving our management and operations,” said the memo. “While we anticipate difficult decisions ahead, each decision will be made with rigorous analysis, always bearing in mind the company’s long-term interest and health.”
Analysts wonder if the company’s unstable path to its IPO could have been avoided altogether had the company raised the initial $16 billion it was seeking from its largest backer SoftBank earlier this year.
Gunningham has been apart of the company for a year and a half and has had a reputation of being goal-oriented and well-versed in technology.
Minson is known as a numbers guy, which was particularly helpful as sources revealed that Neumann fell short in presentations that dealt with financials. Minson also presided over quarterly earnings calls, a task that typically is set aside for the CEO.
According to the memo, the two are splitting responsibilities. Minson will handle finance, legal, real estate, public affairs, corporate communications, corporate development and global partnerships. Gunningham will oversee product, design, development, sales, marketing, technology and community.
Neumann will maintain role as chairman of WeWork’s board, but will no longer have majority control over the firm.