Samasource, the provider of data for AI projects, has appointed Wendy Gonzalez as the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Gonzalez, previously served as President and COO, transitioned into the role of Interim CEO following late founder Leila Janah’s passing in January of 2020 after a battle with epithelioid sarcoma.
With a focus on driving technology, innovation and growth, under Gonzalez’s leadership, the company recruited an engineering workforce of more than 30% Ph.Ds. and was recognized for its three-year 134% revenue growth in the Inc. 5000 list — becoming one of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
“We have been determined to find the right person to carry forward Leila’s vision and commitment to Samasource, and that woman is Wendy,” said Ben Metcalfe, Member of Samasource’s Board of Directors and Board Advisor at Ridge Ventures. “Following a thorough recruitment process, we’re certain that Wendy is the right person to lead Samasource through this next stage. Wendy has been responsible for much of the technology and business strategy to-date, overseeing both the successful transition to a for-profit enterprise and several technology milestones.”
“Leila will be remembered for paving the way for so many female entrepreneurs and leaders and it’s an honor to be carrying on her legacy as CEO at Samasource,” said Wendy Gonzalez. “Our entire team shares Leila’s ambitions for Samasource, the tech industry and our society as a whole and together, we look forward to advancing and sharing these collective goals.”
Women represent just 12% of CEOs within the male-dominated AI industry. In her new role, Wendy is responsible for overseeing company operations, growth, technology strategy, and organizational goals. Fortifying the company’s position as a model for the future of machine learning, Wendy’s leadership at Samasource will not only prioritize innovation but empower people around the world to be part of the growing AI economy.
Wendy has over two decades of managerial and technology leadership experience for companies including EY, Capgemini Consulting, Cycle30 (acquired by Arrow Electronics) and General Communications. She is an active Board Member of the Leila Janah Foundation.
