Jay Carney, former press secretary for President Barack Obama and Amazon executive, is joining Airbnb as the company’s global head of policy and communications.
“Jay has worked at the highest levels of both government and technology, serving as a strategic counselor to the President, and at one of the largest tech companies in the world,” CEO Brian Chesky said in a news release Friday (July 22).
“When you combine that with the two decades he spent on the ground as a journalist, he brings a deep understanding of the needs of multiple stakeholders. Jay is also a passionate advocate for community engagement, and is committed to ensuring that Airbnb is a force for good. He’s the perfect person to lead Policy and Communications at Airbnb,” Chesky said.
Carney spent seven years with Amazon, overseeing the company’s policy and public relations, with an emphasis on how the platform empowers its small business sellers.
He also directed its community investments, including disaster response, humanitarian relief for Ukrainian refugees and education programs for children and young adults from underrepresented communities.
Carney also served for three years as press secretary under President Barack Obama and director of communications for then-Vice President Joe Biden.
“The potential for travel to promote economic and social good has never been greater,” Carney said. “I’m thrilled to be joining Airbnb to help guide its work to connect communities and people through travel, drive economic participation, and help us discover that while our differences are real, they are overwhelmed by our similarities.”
The company said Carney will start at Airbnb in September, reporting to Chesky and working out of Washington, DC.
September also marks the start of a new job for another former Amazon executive.
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