The Scoop: Tinder execs use LinkedIn, not release, to announce leadership change

Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno announced on LinkedIn that she will step down in July after nearly eight years at Match Group, including less than two as CEO.

In a candid post, she shared reflections on building an exceptional team, praised her colleagues, and revealed that her next chapter — a “deeply personal” one — will focus on supporting the next generation of women leaders.

About an hour later, Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff responded directly to her post – publicly thanking Iosotaluno and revealing that he would take over leadership of Tinder.

“I’m grateful for the time we’ve spent together over the past few months preparing for this news to ensure a smooth transition,” he wrote. “As I step in to lead the team, I’m energized by the momentum you’ve helped create.”

There was no formal press release. The transition played out entirely on LinkedIn – an intentional, coordinated approach that felt thoughtful but not overproduced.

Outlets like the Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch reported the story by pulling directly from the posts, showing how social platforms can serve as the first and only channel for corporate storytelling when the tone and timing are right.

Why it matters: This is the kind of executive transition that hits all the right notes: clear, human and in their own words.

By skipping the press release and opting for LinkedIn posts, Match Group showed how a major leadership shift can feel personal without sacrificing clarity or strategy.

Iosotaluno reflected on her journey, praising her team and explicitly explaining why she’s ready for something new: “The consumer tech landscape is evolving in exciting, unpredictable ways – and so are my own ambitions,” she wrote, framing her next chapter as a natural evolution grounded in personal goals, not issues with the company or what’s taking place.

Rascoff followed with appreciation for Iosotaluno and her team’s work, and assurance about the future – reinforcing continuity and a desire to keep things, and people, largely the same.

“You assembled a diverse and deeply engaged leadership team,” he wrote. “That work, and the values behind it, will continue to shape Tinder’s future.”

The format gave both leaders control of the narrative – Iosotaluno got to own her story, and Rascoff could lay the groundwork for what comes next as he assumes control of the brand.

This kind of social-led storytelling shows how executive comms can be personal, strategic and media-ready all at once. A great example of letting individual voices lead without comms losing control of the narrative.

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Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.