Shiftgig just tapped a former LinkedIn executive to be its next CEO.
Shiftgig, the Chicago-based startup that connects businesses with hourly workers, announced Tuesday that it has hired Wade Burgess, LinkedIn's former VP of talent solutions, as its chief executive. Current CEO and Co-Founder Eddie Lou will remain with the company, transitioning to the role of executive chairman.
Burgess spent nearly a decade at LinkedIn, growing the company's sales efforts in the U.S. and Europe before becoming VP of talent solutions. He was also chairman of the LinkedIn for Good Foundation.
In an interview, Lou said he told the board since dating back to the startup's Series A round that if he found "someone great" to lead the company he would bring them in. Lou and Wade met earlier this year, and said the timing was right to bring in new leadership.
Lou said he and Burgess plan to "divide and conquer."
Shiftgig, which has raised $59 million since launching in 2012, gives people looking for hourly---or "gig"---work the ability to choose from thousands of available shifts at local companies in foodservice, hospitality, retail, warehouse, and other jobs. Shiftgig has hired more than 24,000 workers at more than 2,200 businesses.
The startup just recently launched in Philadelphia, its 13th city, and plans to open in its 14th market soon.
Lou said the company's revenue will nearly double this year from 2016.
Shiftgig's growth comes at a time when the gig economy continues to gain steam. Freelancers, from Uber drivers to part-time electricians, make up 34% of the workforce. And that number is expected to grow to 43% by 2020.
“For nearly a decade I’ve had the opportunity to work toward LinkedIn’s vision, creating economic opportunity for millions of professionals,” said Burgess. “Shiftgig allows me to extend this mission to a broader base of the workforce."
