WeWork Announces Executive Promotions Focusing on International Expansion
While pursuing more growth outside the US, WeWork's program for mid-sized companies continues to expand in Manhattan.
NEW YORK CITY—WeWork has promoted Eugen Miropolski, former managing director for WeWork across Europe, Pacific and China to serve as COO based in London. Jen Berrent had been the COO and was promoted to co-president. She remains the chief legal officer. Recode was the first news outlet to report that these changes are part of the company’s plans to focus more on growth overseas.
The publication noted a turnover of the COO position in recent years with Artie Minson serving for two years, followed by Berrent’s tenure of slightly less than two years and now the appointment of the 31-year-old Miropolski. He’s the youngest member of the executive team.
In a statement provided to GlobeSt.com, WeWork explained Miropolski will focus on continuing to scale the company globally, localizing the experience within regions and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration between teams. He’ll also be responsible for strategic partnerships and planning.
In her new position, Berrent will serve along with Artie Minson, who remains president and CFO. The company credits Berrent with creating the infrastructure that supported the company’s growth from approximately 250 employees in 2014 to more than 11,000 today. She also played a key role in negotiating fundraising rounds.
Regarding Miropolski, she notes, “There is no one more equipped to operationalize our vision for our next phase of growth.” Underlining the company’s global push, Berrent adds, “I will remain focused on our people and legal teams, our strategy, and our corporate strength. Above all else, I will partner with Eugen and the rest of the team as we continue to share our mission with the world.”
“[M]y primary focus will be on serving—and scaling—The We Company mission to build a global community that offers our members innovative new ways to connect with both their physical environments and each other as they work, live, learn and play—whether they’re in Jakarta or Johannesburg,” says Miropolski.
WeWorks states they ended 2018 with 425 locations in 100 cities and 27 countries with more than 400,000 members. The company reports that 58% of their total desks are now outside the US compared to 41% one year ago.
Berrent and Minson are in the New York City office, which continues to push forward with its HQ by WeWork program. Just last week, the co-working giant announced securing 54,700 square feet for mid-sized office clients in Manhattan. The offices will open to members this summer.
The leases included 26,600 square feet at ELK Investors’ building at 33 E. 33rd St. Erik Harris from Newmark Knight Frank represented the landlord on this deal. WeWork leased 17,350 square feet at 44 Wall St. from EQ Office, which was represented in-house by Scott Silverstein and by a CBRE leasing team. Finally, at George Comfort & Sons and ASB Real Estate Investments’ building at 7 W. 18th St., the company took on about 10,750 square feet. The landlord was represented in-house by Matt Coudert and Alex Bermingham.