Match Group Announces Jim Lanzone as New Tinder CEO

Match Group has announced that Elie Seidman will be stepping down from his role as Tinder CEO at the end of the week.

Former President and CEO of CBS Interactive Jim Lanzone is taking over and will have his official first day on 3rd August. This is the day before Match Group is scheduled to publish its second quarter results, which will include more information about the new hire.

Seidman has been with the online dating company for more than four years, having first joined as OkCupid’s CEO in early 2016. He then moved over to Tinder in November 2017.

Match Group CEO Shar Dubey said in a statement: “[Lanzone] has vast experience running complex global tech organizations, driving product innovation, integrating emerging media trends into bellwether brands and a proven track record of building subscription offerings and delivering results. 

“Tinder still has so much runway ahead, and as we look to integrate video, roll out new features in various regions and accelerate our growth around the world, Jim will be a formidable leader for the company.”

She also said that the team are “grateful” for Seidman’s service, calling him a “steadfast leader” who joined at a “pivotal time”.

Tinder has also named a new CPO, Joshua Sell who will start working with immediate effect. He has previously worked at a number of major mobile gaming companies, which could indicate what kind of features the dating app might launch in the future.

In May, Tinder began testing a live video quiz game that would see users compete against each other while answering multiple choice questions. The product is further indication of the app’s desire to move away from its hookup reputation and towards a social community for relationships of every nature.

Lanzone added: “Tinder is an iconic brand and an essential part of the dating experience. We have an enormous opportunity to deliver on our mission, bring more people to the product and reimagine the user experience across different markets. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the team and taking the brand to new heights.”

Dubey was promoted to Match Group CEO in January after Mandy Ginsberg removed herself from the role for numerous personal reasons.

Visit the Tinder website here.