HubSpot has reinstated co-founder Brian Halligan as chief executive, replacing Yamini Rangan with immediate effect. The company described the move as a “refounding” as Halligan aims to overhaul product, culture and sales. Halligan, who led HubSpot from its founding in 2005 through its 2021 stock market peak, returns after a period at Sequoia Capital. Rangan, who oversaw customer growth and rising revenue, will remain until December for the handover.
The leadership change follows a year in which HubSpot’s shares lost half their value, driven by slowing growth and concerns over competition from AI-native tools. Halligan told Bloomberg the company had focused too much on short-term financial targets at the expense of product quality. He said he wants to rebuild and reimagine the business rather than see it acquired or diminished.
HubSpot is also making changes in its finance team. Kate Bueker will retire as CFO in 2027, with Karen Burgess from Adobe set to take over. The company recently announced 660 job cuts as it pivots to AI, and reaffirmed its financial guidance for the year.
Many software firms are facing similar leadership shifts, as the sector adjusts to AI and market volatility. HubSpot’s next steps on product and sales strategy will be closely watched by industry leaders and investors.
