GitLab has appointed Bill Staples as its new CEO, effective December 5, 2024. This leadership change comes as the company’s co-founder, Sid Sijbrandij, steps down to focus on his health while battling a rare form of cancer. Sijbrandij will continue to support GitLab as the Executive Chair of the Board.
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A new chapter for GitLab
Bill Staples brings nearly 30 years of experience in the tech industry, previously serving as CEO of New Relic, where he significantly boosted the company’s enterprise value.
His background also includes leadership roles at Microsoft and Adobe, where he was instrumental in developing cloud services and analytics tools. “I am honoured and excited to lead the company into this next chapter,” Staples stated, emphasising his commitment to driving innovation and delivering value to customers.
Sijbrandij expressed confidence in Staples’ capabilities, saying, “I believe [Bill’s] passion for software, commitment to customers, and strong track record make him the right person to lead the company going forward”. He acknowledged the importance of focusing on his health during this transition, stating that his treatments are progressing well.
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Staples to lead $750M GitLab toward future success
Under Staples’ leadership, GitLab aims to continue its growth trajectory in the competitive landscape of developer and security platforms. The company currently serves over 10,000 customers and boasts over $750 million in run-rate revenue. With Staples at the helm, GitLab is poised to enhance its reputation as a leading AI-powered DevSecOps platform.
As GitLab embarks on this new journey with Bill Staples, stakeholders are optimistic about the future. His extensive experience and customer-centric approach are expected to foster innovation and strengthen GitLab’s position in the market.