Employment platform Indeed's long-serving CEO Chris Hyams has stepped down. Effective immediately, Hisayuki “Deko” Idekoba, president and CEO of parent company Recruit Holdings, resumes his former role as CEO of Indeed after a six-year hiatus.

The transition reflects a broader strategic pivot, with the firm doubling down on its ambition to streamline hiring through AI-powered innovation.

From a job search engine to a talent marketplace

Hyams, who first joined Indeed in 2010 as VP of Product, took the reins as CEO in April 2019. Under his leadership, the platform underwent a seismic transformation – evolving from a basic job search engine into a full-fledged, two-sided talent marketplace. “Indeed has been the most meaningful work of my life,” Hyams wrote in a farewell note. “Choosing to leave has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.”

But Hyams’ departure is not a complete exit. He will continue to support the company as a board advisor until the end of the year, helping ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

Reflecting on his journey, Hyams highlighted Indeed’s meteoric rise: “Today, over 300 million job seekers use Indeed each month. Our revenue has grown 200x. Most importantly, 27 people get hired on Indeed every minute – one every 2.2 seconds. Since we started measuring hires, more than 75 million people have gotten jobs thanks to Indeed – and we know that number is a dramatic undercount.”

Hyams also signalled a shift in personal mission, stating he intends to focus on “urgent issues” related to the ethical development of technology – from responsible AI to human rights. “This includes advancing responsible AI, countering disinformation, empowering workers, defending human rights and bridging the gap between technology and the humanities,” he said.

'Once-in-a-generation moment'

Taking up the mantle once again is Idekoba, a familiar face to both Indeed and its stakeholders. He led Recruit Holdings’ acquisition of Indeed back in 2012 and served as CEO and President from 2013 to 2019.

In his own remarks, Idekoba paid tribute to Hyams’ contributions: “Indeed would not be what it is today without Chris, as he led the company through its transition from a simple job search engine to a two-sided talent marketplace. We’re so grateful for everything he’s done.”

But it’s clear Idekoba’s return is not just ceremonial – it signals a renewed focus on growth through technology.

“We’re in a once-in-a-generation moment when technology can really change lives,” he said. “Hiring is still too slow and too hard, and we’re using AI to make it simpler and more personal – for both job seekers and employers.”

With Idekoba at the helm, the group appears keen to capitalise on its global footprint and tech capabilities to sharpen its edge in the HR matching market.