Nextdoor Holdings Inc. Elevates Tony Castellanos to Executive Vice President of People

In a significant press release dated March 19, 2026, Nextdoor Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NXDR), the prominent neighborhood-focused social network, announced the promotion of Tony Castellanos to Executive Vice President of People. This strategic decision comes as the company intensifies its investment in AI-driven people operations, a move deemed essential for its ongoing growth trajectory.

Tony Castellanos has been an integral part of Nextdoor's journey for the past six years. He previously held the position of Head of Compensation and Talent, where he successfully cultivated teams dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent. Castellanos brings nearly 20 years of experience in compensation, talent acquisition, and HR business partnering, which has positioned him as a respected strategic advisor within the company.

Under his leadership, the People function at Nextdoor transitioned from a conventional HR setup to a dynamic strategic advisory body, directly influencing critical talent and organizational decisions alongside senior leadership.

Before joining Nextdoor, Castellanos honed his expertise in recruiting and people operations at tech giants like Google and Square. His extensive background has equipped him with the skills necessary to forge effective talent strategies and business partnerships, which have become hallmarks of his career. Furthermore, Castellanos' experience as a former competitor and coach in sports underscores his ability to unite people toward achieving common goals.

In his new role, Castellanos will spearhead Nextdoor's AI-forward approach to human resources, designed to enhance employee support while allowing the People team to concentrate on strategic initiatives that require human insight. His philosophy is clear: technology should facilitate authentic human connections rather than inhibit them.

Nextdoor’s integration of AI spans three core areas:

These initiatives reflect Nextdoor's belief that an effective People function, which balances analytical rigor with human empathy, is critical for driving business success.

Nirav Tolia, CEO of Nextdoor, expressed his enthusiasm for Castellanos’ promotion, stating, “Tony embodies what we believe the people function should be: strategic, data-driven, and deeply invested in the success of the business and the people who power it.” Tolia emphasized the importance of Castellanos' role as the company enters a new phase of growth, bolstered by AI technologies.

In response, Castellanos articulated his vision for the future of the people function, stating, “We’re entering an era where the people function isn’t just enabling the business; it’s actively shaping its future. That’s what we’re building toward at Nextdoor, powered by the right blend of technology and human judgment.”

Nextdoor Holdings Inc.'s decision to promote Tony Castellanos to Executive Vice President of People marks a pivotal step in the company's commitment to integrating AI within its human resources strategy. As Nextdoor continues to evolve as an essential neighborhood network, Castellanos' leadership will likely play a crucial role in shaping the company's future and enhancing its workforce strategy. With over 105 million verified neighbors already connected, Nextdoor is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in community engagement and support.