Mozilla Foundation dissolves its advocacy and global programs divisions.
This is the second mass layoff by Mozilla this year.
The Mozilla Foundation has decided to undergo a significant restructuring, eliminating 30% of its workforce and completely dismantling its advocacy and global programs divisions. Primarily known for its Firefox browser, this foundation defines itself as an advocate for "the health of the internet." The disappearance of its advocacy and global programs divisions could impact its future influence.
Brandon Borrman, head of communications for the Mozilla Foundation, explained in an email that this restructuring aims to increase the agility and impact of its work to ensure a more open and equitable technical future. However, this direction also involves relinquishing previously conducted initiatives and eliminating associated roles, with the goal of focusing on strategic changes.
This is the second round of layoffs Mozilla has carried out this year. In February, the corporation laid off approximately 60 employees, citing the need for a "strategic correction," which included reducing its work on a Mastodon instance and shutting down its three-dimensional virtual platform, redirecting its efforts towards Firefox and artificial intelligence. Before this latest round of layoffs, the Mozilla Foundation had around 120 employees.
Nabhia Syed, the foundation's executive director, communicated to all employees on October 30 that the advocacy and global programs divisions "are no longer part of our structure." In her message, Syed emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear focus during uncertain times and the need to make difficult decisions, acknowledging that "high goals demand hard choices." The Mozilla Foundation has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
