Airbnb’s Belinda Johnson to step down as COO, join board

By: Nicolas V.

Airbnb’s first executive hire on Friday announced she would be stepping down from the chief operating officer role early next year — months before the unicorn’s expected IPO.

Belinda Johnson said in a note to Airbnb employees that she was leaving her role in order to spend more time with her family.

Johnson will join the home rental company’s board after relinquishing her COO duties.

“Being elevated to the Board of Directors and contributing to the long-term success of Airbnb while taking more time to be with my amazing family is an incredible opportunity,” she said.

Johnson joined Airbnb in 2011 as the first executive hired by chief executive Brian Chesky, leading its efforts in working with governments on policies related to home sharing.

She is moving out of the executive role at a time when Airbnb is preparing to go public in 2020.

In a statement to Airbnb employees, Chesky left the door open for a Johnson comeback.

“Though we intend for her to serve on our board for a long time to come, I have told Belinda that she can return to Airbnb as an executive if she ever wishes to do so,” he said.

Johnson has also served on the board of PayPal.