Duolingo Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Duolingo has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and marketing.

Driven by accessible education, Duolingo is dedicated to making language learning free and engaging for everyone worldwide, fostering global communication and cultural understanding through its innovative platform.

Leadership Roles at Duolingo

  • Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman - Luis Von Ahn
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Molly Brean
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gillian Munson
  • Chief of Staff & Head of Operations Executive - Emily Harding
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer - Emily Cosnotti
  • Luis Von Ahn - Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman

    Luis Von Ahn, the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman at Duolingo, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the company's free language learning platform. Overseeing all major business decisions, Von Ahn ensures the platform's continued innovation and accessibility, aligning product development with the core mission of making education universally available. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team and setting the strategic direction for global expansion and user engagement. By championing the company's unique approach to language acquisition, Luis Von Ahn drives the development of new features and learning methodologies that enhance user experience and educational outcomes. The Chairman's oversight extends to corporate governance and long-term financial planning, solidifying Duolingo's market position.
    Luis Von Ahn

    Molly Brean - Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer

    Molly Brean, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Duolingo, provides direct strategic support to the CEO, facilitating the execution of key company initiatives. Brean manages critical projects, enhances communication channels, and ensures alignment between the CEO's vision and departmental operations, reinforcing Duolingo's commitment to free language learning. This position involves coordinating executive priorities, preparing strategic briefings, and driving cross-functional alignment to accelerate product innovation and market penetration. By acting as a key liaison, Molly Brean optimizes the CEO's effectiveness and supports the company's rapid growth trajectory. The Chief of Staff's role is integral to maintaining operational momentum and achieving strategic objectives.

    Gillian Munson - Chief Financial Officer

    Gillian Munson, the Chief Financial Officer at Duolingo, manages all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the company. Munson oversees budgeting, forecasting, and investor relations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving sustainable growth for the language learning platform. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and resource allocation across all departments, supporting Duolingo's mission to provide free education globally. By developing robust financial strategies, Gillian Munson enables the company to invest in product innovation and expand its market reach. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in navigating the financial landscape, securing capital, and maximizing shareholder value while maintaining the company's commitment to accessibility.
    Gillian Munson

    Emily Harding - Chief of Staff & Head of Operations Executive

    Emily Harding, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operations Executive at Duolingo, spearheads operational efficiency and strategic execution across the organization. Harding manages key initiatives, streamlines internal processes, and ensures seamless collaboration between departments, directly supporting the company's mission to deliver accessible language education. This role involves translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and overseeing their implementation to enhance user experience and platform scalability. By optimizing operational workflows, Emily Harding enables the executive team to focus on core product development and market expansion. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to resource management and cross-functional project oversight, driving Duolingo's growth and operational excellence.

    Emily Cosnotti - Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer

    Emily Cosnotti, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer at Duolingo, enhances the effectiveness of the marketing department's strategic initiatives and operational execution. Cosnotti manages key marketing projects, optimizes campaign workflows, and ensures seamless coordination across marketing teams, directly supporting Duolingo's mission to reach a global audience with its language learning platform. This role involves translating marketing strategies into actionable plans and overseeing their implementation to drive user acquisition and engagement. By streamlining marketing operations, Emily Cosnotti enables the Chief Marketing Officer to focus on brand development and market expansion. The Chief of Staff's contribution is crucial for maximizing marketing impact and achieving growth targets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Duolingo Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Duolingo?
    Duolingo is led by Luis Von Ahn (Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman), along with executives such as Molly Brean (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer) and Gillian Munson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Duolingo’s executive team?
    The executive team of Duolingo includes leaders such as Luis Von Ahn (Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman), Molly Brean (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer), Gillian Munson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Duolingo have?
    Duolingo has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Duolingo’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Duolingo includes roles such as Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chairman, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff & Head of Operations Executive, Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer.