Mozilla Slashes 30% of Workforce in Major Restructuring to Boost Agility

Mozilla Foundation Announces Major Layoffs Amid Restructuring

The Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Mozilla, known for developing the Firefox browser, has announced a significant restructuring that will result in layoffs affecting 30% of its workforce. This move comes as a response to what the organization describes as a “relentless onslaught of change” in the tech industry.

Brandon Borrman, Mozilla Foundation’s communications chief, confirmed the layoffs, stating that the reorganization aims to increase the foundation’s agility and impact. The restructuring will involve ending some historical work and eliminating certain roles within the organization. Before the layoffs, the foundation employed approximately 120 people, up from 60 in 2022.

This marks the second round of layoffs for Mozilla this year, with the initial cuts affecting the Firefox browser development team. Mozilla operates under a dual structure, comprising the Mozilla Corporation and the Mozilla Foundation, with the latter focusing on issues such as privacy, inclusion, and decentralization.

Nabiha Syed, the executive director of the Mozilla Foundation, announced that the layoffs would significantly impact major divisions, including advocacy and global programs. While advocacy will remain central to the foundation’s mission, it will be integrated into other areas of the organization.

The restructuring is part of a broader strategic shift aimed at producing a unified narrative and revamping strategic communications. Mozilla Foundation emphasizes its commitment to putting people before profit and acknowledges the need for focus and difficult decisions to achieve future goals.

Syed, who brings a background in media and law to her role, stressed the importance of navigating change while maintaining the integrity of Mozilla’s mission. The foundation later issued an updated statement reaffirming its commitment to advocacy and strategic focus in light of the restructuring.

As the Mozilla Foundation adapts to the evolving tech landscape, these changes reflect the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in the fast-paced digital world. The impact of these layoffs on Mozilla’s ongoing projects and initiatives remains to be seen as the organization moves forward with its restructured approach.