The Mozilla Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Firefox browser maker Mozilla, has recently laid off 30% of its employees due to what it describes as a “relentless onslaught of change.” This marks the second round of layoffs at Mozilla this year, following an earlier round that affected employees working on the Firefox browser.
In an email to TechCrunch, Mozilla Foundation’s communications chief Brandon Borrman confirmed the layoffs, stating that the organization is reorganizing its teams to increase agility and impact. This restructuring aims to ensure a more open and equitable technical future for all, leading to the discontinuation of some historical work and associated roles.
During the 2022 tax year, the Mozilla Foundation reported having 60 employees, but the recent layoffs affected a larger number of employees, with estimates closer to 120 people. Mozilla’s spokesperson did not dispute this figure when asked by TechCrunch.
One significant change resulting from the layoffs is the closure of two major divisions within the foundation—advocacy and global programs. This restructuring is part of an effort to create a more unified and powerful narrative from the Foundation, including a revamp of strategic communications.
Mozilla’s mission has traditionally focused on advocating for privacy, inclusion, and decentralization of technologies to create safer and more transparent online experiences. However, in the face of constant technological changes, Mozilla finds itself needing to make hard choices to stay focused on its goals.
Nabiha Syed, the executive director of the Mozilla Foundation, emphasized the importance of putting people before profit in the current landscape of rapid change. Syed, who joined Mozilla in February, highlighted the need for a laser focus on the organization’s mission amid the evolving technology world.
The layoffs and restructuring at Mozilla reflect the challenges faced by organizations in the tech industry as they adapt to a rapidly changing environment. By streamlining its operations and refocusing its efforts, Mozilla aims to remain agile and impactful in pursuing its mission of creating a more open and equitable technical future for everyone.
