Google: Google cuts jobs at popular maps app Waze – Times of India

It looks like layoffs are still on the menu at Google as another of the company’s division is set to see employees leave. According to a report by CNBC, the layoffs will affect Waze, a popular mapping app owned by Google.
As per the report, Chris Philips, head of Google’s maps division called Geo, sent an email to employees informing them about the layoffs. One of the key reasons behind the layoffs is the company’s division to include Google ads in Waze. Earlier, Google used a separate ads system for Waze.
“We have decided to transition Waze’s ads monetisation to be managed by the Global Business Organization (GBO), similar to Google Maps,” Phillips wrote in his email, the CNBC report quoted. “Unfortunately, this will result in a reduction of Waze Ads monetisation-focused roles in sales, marketing, operations and analytics.”

500 employees are part of the Waze unit

Philips also said that Google was hoping to “create a more scalable and optimised Waze Ads product,” before adding that the company will “wind down the current Waze Ads product while we focus on building new Waze Ads powered by Google Ads.”
It’s not clear how many jobs will be eliminated by this move. As of now, it was reported that Waze had 500 employees in the unit. The report also reveals that Google has been consolidating Waze as part of the Geo unit. Waze has close to 140 million active users.
In his email, Phillips further wrote, “Decisions like these are incredibly difficult. Each one of these Wazers contributed to Waze’s success and culture, and I want to express my gratitude and respect for what they have achieved.”
Google also confirmed the layoffs. A company spokesperson told CNBC in a statement that the company “remains deeply committed to growing Waze’s unique brand, its beloved app and its thriving community of volunteers and users.”