Upwork Inc. Announces Board Refreshment: A Strategic Move for AI-Enabled Growth

In a bid to fortify its governance framework, Upwork has welcomed two new directors, Claire Bramley and David Lissy, both of whom will also serve on the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee. Their appointments are seen as critical to guiding Upwork through a transformative phase aimed at harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence in the workforce.

Claire Bramley brings over two decades of senior finance leadership from various global technology companies. Currently the chief financial officer of Xero, Bramley has demonstrated her capability in managing financial strategy and risk, specifically in the context of transformation within public companies. Her past roles include serving as CFO at Teradata and senior finance positions at HP. Bramley’s deep expertise is expected to be instrumental in navigating Upwork through its financial landscape as it embraces AI-driven opportunities.

David Lissy has a rich history of leading organizations through growth and change, having spent nearly 20 years at Bright Horizons, where he served as CEO and later executive chairman. His leadership was pivotal during the company’s initial public offering and various transformational transactions, equipping him with valuable insights into managing businesses amid evolving customer needs and market disruptions.

The transition also sees the departure of Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri and Leela Srinivasan, who concluded their service after five and six years, respectively. Thomas Layton, chair of the Board, expressed gratitude for their contributions, highlighting their roles in shaping Upwork into the company it is today.

The appointments of Bramley and Lissy come at a time when Upwork is focused on reinventing the future of work in the age of AI. Thomas Layton remarked, “Claire and David join Upwork at a moment of real opportunity, as we build the company for the AI-enabled future of work.” He emphasized their collective experiences as invaluable assets in guiding the company’s growth trajectory.

Hayden Brown, president and CEO of Upwork, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m thrilled to welcome Claire and David to our Board as we reinvent work for the age of AI.” He expressed his confidence that their expertise will play a crucial role as Upwork scales its operations and enhances its service offerings.

Upwork Inc. connects businesses with a diverse pool of global, AI-enabled talent, offering solutions across various contingent worker classifications. The Upwork Marketplace allows businesses to access skilled professionals across a spectrum of industries, from AI and machine learning to finance and customer support. With a commitment to facilitating business transformation and innovation, Upwork has facilitated over $30 billion in transactions since its inception.

As the company embarks on this new chapter with a refreshed board, it reinforces its mission to create opportunities in every era of work, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of the AI-enabled labor market.