Upwork Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Upwork has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, organizational alignment, business automation, marketing, financial tax compliance, and legal operations.

Driven by a commitment to connecting businesses with independent talent, Upwork empowers global professional collaboration through a robust digital marketplace. This platform facilitates seamless engagement between enterprises and agencies, fostering innovation and economic opportunity across international borders.

Leadership Roles at Upwork

  • Chief Executive Officer - Waseem Swag
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations - Laura Jileta
  • Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor - Eid Hussain
  • Chief of Staff - Bruce Pleat
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional - Oyindamola Deyi-Daniel
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jacob McQuown
  • Waseem Swag - Chief Executive Officer

    Waseem Swag, the Chief Executive Officer at Upwork, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the global talent marketplace. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of businesses and independent professionals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the platform maintains a competitive edge in the digital services industry. Waseem Swag oversees the executive leadership team to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across all departments. This role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine market positioning and expand the reach of the company into new international territories. Through the implementation of scalable business models, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the connection between clients and agencies. Ultimately, the leadership provided by Swag secures the market dominance of the platform while fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency that benefits the entire ecosystem of independent work.

    Laura Jileta - Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations

    Laura Jileta, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations at Upwork, architects the digital infrastructure required to scale financial and operational workflows. By integrating advanced automation tools, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations drives efficiency across the finance department and broader business units. Laura Jileta oversees the implementation of data-driven systems that support the company's mission of connecting businesses with independent professionals. This role involves collaborating with technical teams to refine internal processes and ensure financial accuracy in a high-volume marketplace. By optimizing operational throughput, Jileta enables the organization to maintain agility while managing complex global transactions. The leadership provided by this executive ensures that business automation remains a cornerstone of the company's strategy, directly impacting the bottom line and supporting sustainable growth across all regional markets.

    Eid Hussain - Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor

    Eid Hussain, the Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor at Upwork, manages the complex financial and tax compliance frameworks necessary for a global marketplace. By overseeing the integration of accounting standards, the Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor ensures that all financial operations align with regulatory requirements. Eid Hussain directs the implementation of robust tax strategies that support the company's mission of facilitating seamless professional engagements. This role involves providing expert guidance on financial reporting and accounting software to maintain the integrity of the platform's fiscal data. By optimizing tax processes, Hussain enables the organization to operate efficiently within the United States and beyond. The leadership provided by this executive ensures that financial compliance remains a priority, protecting the company and its users while supporting long-term fiscal health.

    Bruce Pleat - Chief of Staff

    Bruce Pleat, the Chief of Staff at Upwork, manages the strategic priorities and operational workflows of the executive office. By coordinating cross-functional initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized with the broader mission of connecting businesses with independent talent. Bruce Pleat facilitates communication between the C-suite and various departments to streamline decision-making processes and improve internal efficiency. This leadership role involves monitoring key performance indicators and identifying opportunities for process optimization across the global organization. By managing complex projects and high-level administrative functions, Pleat allows the executive team to focus on core business expansion and market penetration. The Chief of Staff maintains a rigorous focus on operational discipline, ensuring that every initiative supports the long-term stability and growth of the company within the competitive landscape of professional services.

    Oyindamola Deyi-Daniel - Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional

    Oyindamola Deyi-Daniel, the Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional at Upwork, directs the brand strategy and customer acquisition initiatives that define the company's market presence. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional executes campaigns that connect businesses with the vast network of independent professionals available on the platform. Oyindamola Deyi-Daniel oversees the development of messaging that highlights the value of the marketplace to both enterprise clients and agencies. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the brand identity and ensure consistent growth across diverse geographic regions. By managing marketing budgets and performance metrics, Deyi-Daniel optimizes the return on investment for all promotional activities. The strategic direction provided by this executive ensures that the company remains the preferred destination for professional talent, ultimately driving user engagement and strengthening the overall market position of the platform.
    Jacob McQuown, the Chief Legal Officer at Upwork, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance efforts that govern the company's global operations. By managing intellectual property, contract law, and corporate governance, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the platform operates within the legal frameworks of every market served. Jacob McQuown oversees the legal team to mitigate risks associated with the connection of businesses and independent professionals. This leadership role involves advising the Board on legislative changes and ensuring that all business practices align with international standards. By providing clear legal guidance, McQuown enables the company to innovate and expand without compromising compliance. The strategic oversight provided by this executive protects the interests of the organization and its stakeholders, ensuring that the marketplace remains a secure and reliable environment for all participants involved in the global economy.
    Jacob McQuown

    Explore Leadership Teams in Business Services

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Upwork Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Upwork?
    Upwork is led by Waseem Swag (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Laura Jileta (Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations) and Eid Hussain (Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor).
    Who is part of Upwork’s executive team?
    The executive team of Upwork includes leaders such as Waseem Swag (Chief Executive Officer), Laura Jileta (Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations), Eid Hussain (Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Upwork have?
    Upwork has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Upwork’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Upwork includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer. Head of Business Automation and Operations, Virtual Tax Preparer (US) & Chief Financial Officer, Tax (US) & Certified Xero Accountant & Quickbooks Pro Advisor, Chief of Staff, Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional.