Match Group (MTCH): Jim Lanzone Named CEO Of Tinder

By Amit Chowdhry • Jul 27, 2020
  • Match Group Inc (NASDAQ: MTCH) announced today that it has named Jim Lanzone as Chief Executive Officer of the company’s flagship brand: Tinder

Match Group Inc (NASDAQ: MTCH) announced today that it has named Jim Lanzone as Chief Executive Officer of the company’s flagship brand: Tinder. Lanzone previously served in various roles at CBS Corporation including Chief Digital Officer and President & Chief Executive Officer of CBS Interactive (2011 to 2019). And he most recently served as an Executive-in-Residence at Benchmark Capital.

Ever since joining CBS in 2011, Lanzone led the digital transformation of CBS Corporation and drove CBS Interactive to record financial and audience growth as well as the creation, launch, and growth of streaming subscription services such as CBS All Access and free ad-supported services like CBSN, CBS Sports HQ, and ET Live.

Lanzone had joined CBS Interactive after its acquisition of Clicker Media (an Internet video search and programming guide) where he served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. And he has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Ask.com (formerly Ask Jeeves) — which he joined in 2001 after its acquisition of eTour.com where he was Co-Founder and President.

Lanzone is succeeding Elie Seidman — who is stepping down. And Lanzone’s first day is August 3rd. Lanzone is going to be reporting to Match Group Chief Executive Officer, Shar Dubey.

Match also announced today it has named gaming executive Joshua Sell as Chief Product Officer at Tinder effective immediately. Sell is known for launching and revitalizing various franchises at global gaming companies such as NCSOFT, King, Glu Mobile, and Aeria Games and Entertainment. Sell is going to report to Lanzone.

Lanzone is becoming the head of Tinder on the heels of a solid quarter with double-digit year-over-year revenue growth at Tinder. More details will be provided when Match Group publishes its second-quarter financial results on August 4, 2020.

KEY QUOTES:

“I’m very excited to welcome Jim to Match Group. He has vast experience running complex global tech organizations, driving product innovation, integrating emerging media trends into bellwether brands and a proven track record of building subscription offerings and delivering results. Tinder still has so much runway ahead, and as we look to integrate video, roll out new features in various regions and accelerate our growth around the world, Jim will be a formidable leader for the company.”

“Elie joined Match Group nearly four years ago as CEO of OkCupid and took the reins as CEO of Tinder during a pivotal time for the company. He was a steadfast leader as the brand grew past the first billion-dollar revenue milestone. We are grateful for his tenure and we wish him the very best in the future.”

— Shar Dubey

“Tinder is an iconic brand and an essential part of the dating experience. We have an enormous opportunity to deliver on our mission, bring more people to the product and reimagine the user experience across different markets. I’m looking forward to working with the team and taking the brand to new heights.”

— Jim Lanzone

Photo Credit: Jim Lanzone via LinkedIn

Disclosure: I own a small number of Match shares in my portfolio