Deals site LivingSocial has a new CEO for it's Australasian operation. Paul Langston (who was previously CFO for the region) replaces Adam Rigby. Rigby was been the head of the Australian and NZ Division of Living Social for the past 4 years.
Rigby's exit also echoes the earlier resignation late last year of Living Social creator Tim O'Shaugnessy. These two long term managers have been there for more a very long time (O'Shaugnessy was the founder in 2007, Rigby (a manager through acquisition) since 2010).
The changing of the guard in 2 key positions signals a shift in entrepreneurial style of the company. Tim of course started Living Social back in. The company grew like wildfire, and even attracted investment from Amazon of $175m in 2010.
But after growth slowed Amazon sold out a year later, and the company had no clear direction.
Rigby came to Living Social when the company bought his Australian deals site called JumpOnIt.com.au back in 2010. A year later Rigby became the boss of the Australian division of Living Social. The company is still the number 2 player in the deals space behind Groupon.
Langston has spent 2 years as the Chief Financial Officer so comes with both operational experience, and an intimate knowledge of the business.
www.livingsocial.com/nz
