Canva Appoints Former Zoom Finance Head Kelly Steckelberg as CFO

Nov 18, 2024 at 8:51 PM
Canva, a prominent design software startup, has made a significant leadership move by selecting Kelly Steckelberg to serve as its Chief Financial Officer. With a rich background in finance and leadership, Steckelberg brings a wealth of experience to the company.

Impressive Track Record and Expertise

Steckelberg's career is marked by notable achievements. She previously held financial positions at Cisco and served as the CEO of online dating company Zoosk before joining Zoom in 2017. At Zoom, she played a crucial role in taking the company public in 2019 and guiding it through the pandemic boom. During the early days of the Covid pandemic in October 2020, Zoom's market cap soared to over $160 billion as users flocked to the app for remote work. However, since then, the company has seen a significant decline, losing more than 85% of its value.In her new role at Canva, Steckelberg's impressive track record as a strong leader and strategic thinker is expected to contribute to the company's growth. Canva, which generates about $2.5 billion in annualized revenue and boasts 220 million monthly users, is widely regarded as a top IPO candidate in the venture-backed tech sector after a slow period for new offerings.The company's recent valuation of $32 billion, although a drop from its 2021 peak of $40 billion, still positions it as a highly valued entity. Canva's spokesperson declined to comment on the startup's timeline for an IPO, leaving investors and industry observers eager to see what the future holds.

Adding Value to Canva's Leadership Bench

Canva's decision to appoint Steckelberg is seen as a strategic move to enhance its leadership team. Her proven expertise in scaling enterprise companies is expected to bring new perspectives and strategies to the table. With her leadership, Canva aims to continue its growth trajectory and capitalize on the opportunities in the design software market.The company's focus on generating revenue and expanding its user base is evident in its current performance. Canva's design software has gained popularity among users worldwide, providing them with a user-friendly platform for creating various designs. The appointment of Steckelberg is likely to further strengthen Canva's position in the market and drive its growth in the coming years.

Background and Transition

Steckelberg's move from Zoom to Canva is a significant transition in her career. She announced her departure from Zoom in August after seven years at the company. Last month, former Microsoft executive Michelle Chang replaced Steckelberg as Zoom's CFO. This change at Zoom allows Steckelberg to focus on her new role at Canva and contribute to the company's development.Canva's previous finance chief, Damien Singh, resigned in February following an internal investigation into inappropriate behavior. This event led to a leadership vacuum at Canva, which Steckelberg's appointment aims to fill. Her experience and leadership skills are expected to help Canva navigate through any challenges and continue its growth momentum.In conclusion, Kelly Steckelberg's appointment as Canva's CFO is a significant development in the company's history. With her extensive experience and expertise, she is well-positioned to lead Canva to new heights and contribute to its continued success in the design software industry.