Last week, we learned that Twitter was about to name co-founder and interim CEO Jack Dorsey permanent CEO. On Monday, they made it official.
Most would agree that Dorsey is probably the right man for the job given his past with the company, but it has left questions about how he’ll be able to commit wholeheartedly to both Twitter and Square, where he is also CEO (and which is expected to launch an IPO soon).
Twitter hosted a conference call to make the announcement and ensure that they’ve chosen the right person for the job. The company acknowledged that running two companies is no easy feat, but that Dorsey will be able to do it, and will have help running Twitter from Adam Bain (who is now COO) and CFO Anthony Noto.
Here are some statements from Dorsey himself:
?⚡️ Hello! We have some news to share!
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
We are naming @adambain COO of Twitter, we're working to change the composition of our Board, and I will serve as CEO of Twitter and Square!
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
I've been CEO of both companies for over 3 months now. I have the smartest, strongest, and most determined leaders in the world on my teams.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
My focus is to build teams that move fast, and learn faster. In the past 3 months we have increased our speed and urgency at both companies.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
A few things about each company, and their impact in the world. What we stand for gives us purpose, and that purpose dictates our job ahead.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Square stands for economic empowerment. We stand for financial systems that serve instead of rule. We stand for leveling the playing field.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Square is the most powerful set of tools to start, run & grow a business. Download Square, start selling. Download Square, get cash to grow.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Twitter stands for freedom of expression. We stand for speaking truth to power. And we stand for empowering dialogue.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Twitter is the most powerful communications tool of our time. It shows everything the world is saying rn…10-15 minutes before anything else.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Both companies have strong businesses and are well positioned to grow their impact in the world. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
We're working hard at Twitter to focus our roadmap on a few things we can make really great. And we're strengthening our team along the way.
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Our work forward is to make Twitter easy to understand by anyone in the world, and give more utility to the people who love to use it daily!
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
Former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who is stepping away from the Board of Directors, had this to say:
1/ delighted for @jack and the team and excited for the future of Twitter. https://t.co/hY7ZEttA2t
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
2/ @jack is a calm and thoughtful leader. He is bold, forthright, decisive, and the team loves working with him. https://t.co/2M3y7oEB45
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
3/ as I step off the board, two reminders: those banging pots and pans outside Twitter know the least about what's going on inside Twitter
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
4/ and @Twitter, there is only one narrative that matters and it's the one you'll create for the world.
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
5/
(Inside reference for the @twitter folks) pic.twitter.com/PNjxvANgkP
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
.@adambain congrats and so well deserved. PRO TIP: Don't make any stupid jokes about your first day as COO.
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
From Bain:
I’m thrilled @jack is now Twitter's permanent CEO, and honored to serve as COO. No one has thought more about @twitter than him.
— adam bain (@adambain) October 5, 2015
.@jack has the insight as well as the moral authority as a founder to push teams to make big, bold changes to @twitter.
— adam bain (@adambain) October 5, 2015
Our teams are energized by @jack and our advertisers & partners love interacting with him.
— adam bain (@adambain) October 5, 2015
Expanding my role is only possible because of our amazing sales & business leadership and teams. They are the best in the business.
— adam bain (@adambain) October 5, 2015
Image via Jack Dorsey (Twitter)