When a founder steps down after 15 years at the helm of the company he built, the moment can feel loaded.
Is “congrats” the right thing to say? That’s what I asked Culture Amp’s Didier Elzinga, following news he’s stepping down as CEO of the $2 billion unicorn and mooted IPO hopeful.
“Yes,” he tells Capital Brief in his only interview on Wednesday. “If you’re seeking to build something enduring, there’s always a time when you have to give it to someone else.”
After 15 years leading the Melbourne-founded people analytics company, Elzinga says that time has arrived. The passing of the baton follows a broader pattern among Australian tech founders stepping back after long tenures. Atlassian’s Scott Farquhar, SafetyCulture’s Luke Anear and Pet Circle’s Mike Frizell have all left CEO roles in recent years.
