• by Ray Schultz , February 13, 2023

Marketing vendor Twilio is laying off roughly 17% of its staff as it shifts its focus from growth to profit.  

In addition, the company is restructuring into two business units -- Twilio Communications and Twilio Data & Applications -- each of which will contain its own sales, R&D and operational resources.  

The announcement was made on Monday in an email to staff from CEO Jeff Lawson.  

Twilio Data & Applications will be headed by Elena Donio. Twilio Communications will be led by Khozema Shipchandler. 

“When we look at these two business units on their own, it's clear that we've gotten too big, especially in Communications,” Lawson continued. “And that's why we're also letting go of some colleagues today.”

Lawson added, “I'm sure you're wondering why we're making additional cuts to the team after the September layoffs. At that time, we sought to streamline the company as it was then structured. Today's news, however, is more driven by the need to organize ourselves differently for success – and the changes needed to enact this new structure.

Last September, Twilio said in an SEC filing that it was laying off 11% of its workforce. 

The company is also “winding down some of the perks we’ve historically offered, including our book and wellness allowances. We’ve also decided to sunset Twilio Recharge, which I believe in, but which (in retrospect) was ill-timed given our profitability goals. Those who are already eligible or will become eligible for Recharge by the end of 2023 will still be able to take it.”