David Stephenson currently holds the key positions of CFO and Head of Global Employee Experience at Airbnb, playing a pivotal role in the company's financial management, planning, and overall employee engagement strategy. With a wealth of experience and a track record of success, Stephenson has been a driving force in guiding Airbnb through both challenges and triumphs.
Before joining Airbnb, Stephenson spent an impressive 17 years at Amazon, where he served as Vice President and CFO of the Worldwide Consumer Organization. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing global website sales, including major subsidiaries like Whole Foods and Zappos. Stephenson's journey started as a manufacturing engineer and finance manager at Procter and Gamble, setting a solid foundation for his subsequent leadership roles.
Upon joining Airbnb as CFO, Stephenson received commendation from Brian Chesky, Airbnb's Co-founder and CEO, who hailed him as one of the best financial operators globally. Chesky expressed confidence in Stephenson's ability to act as Airbnb's "quarterback for long-term growth," emphasizing his role in making the company more efficient and expanding its unique offerings.
Airbnb, with its unrivaled global community boasting over 5 million listings in 81,000 cities, has seen exponential growth under his financial stewardship. The company's unique advantage lies in its powerful global network, witnessing substantial growth with over 350 city regions experiencing at least 100,000 guest arrivals in 2018, compared to a mere nine regions in 2013.
Stephenson's strategic and financial acumen played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In less than a year, he and his team raised $2 billion in debt, significantly reduced operating expenses, and orchestrated Airbnb's historic IPO in 2020. His leadership extended to establishing initiatives such as the Host Endowment and Directed Share Program, ensuring hosts shared in the company's success and providing opportunities for participation in the IPO.
Tom Szkutak, former CFO of Amazon, commended Stephenson's exceptional leadership capabilities, citing his high judgment and strong business partnering skills. Stephenson's impact also extended to significant improvements in Airbnb's top and bottom-line growth throughout late 2020 and early 2021.
Beyond his financial leadership, Stephenson is actively involved in Airbnb's employee affinity organization, Women@, serving as a co-executive sponsor and ally. Additionally, he personally engages in the Airbnb community as a host for a cabin near Mt Rainier National Park, reflecting his commitment to the platform.
In his personal life, Stephenson, alongside his wife and two daughters, enjoys skiing, boating, and exploring their passion for global travel and live music concerts. As Airbnb continues to evolve and expand its footprint, he remains a key figure in shaping the company's financial success and global impact