Amnon Shashua reveals for the first time: Future of Mobileye leadership and potential layoffs
Prof. Amnon Shashua stated that Mobileye will focus on recruiting abroad, noting that having 90% of staff in Israel is a disadvantage. He did not rule out a non-Israeli CEO and hinted that no further layoffs are expected at this time.
Following the earthquake at Mobileye caused by the dramatic announcement of Amnon Shashua's departure from the CEO position, the company's founder has addressed pressing questions regarding the search for his successor, potential layoffs, and the company's international expansion.
Shashua made these remarks during a meeting with employees in Jerusalem, as reported by TheMarker.
As previously reported, last Thursday, Prof. Amnon Shashua, who founded Mobileye in 1999 and built it into one of Israel's most successful technology firms, notified the board of directors of his intention to step down. He will remain in the role until a successor is appointed, with the board having hired a senior recruitment firm to manage the search.
When asked if the next CEO must be Israeli, Shashua indicated it is not a requirement, though the candidate must have a connection and "affection" for Israel. He expressed hope that the appointment process would be faster than the nearly year-long search at Check Point.
Addressing the company's expansion, Shashua explicitly stated that despite strong development in Israel, there is a need to expand abroad. He described the fact that 90% of Mobileye's employees are based in Israel as a "disadvantage," suggesting that more recruitment should take place internationally.
Regarding employee concerns over potential layoffs, Shashua did not provide a definitive answer, but according to TheMarker, he hinted that no further staff reductions are expected at this time.
Shashua also addressed criticism regarding the $900 million acquisition of Menti Robotics announced in January, which was scrutinized as a related-party transaction given his dual role as CEO of Mobileye and founder/chairman of Menti. Responding to a question from ice, he said:
"This is part of the infrastructure that Mobileye is building, it is a very serious pillar. If you look at how many companies in the world have a full stack, meaning both vehicles and robots, it is only us and Tesla. This puts Mobileye in a very good place for the future, and I am looking years ahead."
