Upwork (UPWK) CEO Hayden Brown named interim finance chief during Erica Gessert’s medical leave
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Upwork Inc. reports that, effective July 14, 2026, its chief financial officer and principal financial officer, Erica Gessert, has taken a temporary medical leave. The company currently anticipates that she will return to her role during the fourth quarter of 2026.
During this leave, President and Chief Executive Officer Hayden Brown will serve as interim principal financial officer. The company states there is no arrangement or understanding under which she was selected, no relevant family relationships or related-party interests, and she will receive no additional compensation or changes to existing plans for assuming the interim role.
Positive
- None.
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- Upwork’s chief financial officer and principal financial officer, Erica Gessert, is on temporary medical leave effective July 14, 2026, with the role covered on an interim basis.
8-K Event Classification
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
1 item
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Key Figures
Effective date of medical leave: July 14, 2026
Anticipated return period: fourth quarter of 2026
Filing signature date: July 16, 2026
+1 more
4 metrics
Effective date of medical leave
July 14, 2026
Date Erica Gessert began temporary medical leave as chief financial officer and principal financial officer
Anticipated return period
fourth quarter of 2026
Period during which the company expects Erica Gessert to return to her role
Filing signature date
July 16, 2026
Date the report was signed on behalf of Upwork Inc. by the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
Trading symbol
UPWK
Ticker for Upwork Inc.’s common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Key Terms
principal financial officer, definitive proxy statement, Schedule 14A, Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, +1 more
5 terms
principal financial officer financial
"will assume the role of the Company’s interim principal financial officer"
The principal financial officer is the senior executive who runs a company's financial operations: preparing and certifying financial reports, managing accounting controls, budgets and cash flow, and advising on financial strategy. Investors care about this role because its competence affects how trustworthy the company’s numbers are, how well it manages risk and capital needs, and the credibility of forecasts—like the chief navigator steering a firm's financial course.
definitive proxy statement regulatory
"Biographical information for Ms. Brown may be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement"
A Definitive Proxy Statement is a detailed document that a company sends to its shareholders before a big meeting, like voting on important decisions. It explains what's being voted on and gives important information so shareholders can make informed choices. It matters because it helps shareholders understand and participate in key company decisions.
Schedule 14A regulatory
"definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission"
Schedule 14A is a document that companies file with regulators to share important information with shareholders before a big vote, like approving a merger or election of directors. It matters because it helps investors understand what’s happening so they can make informed decisions about the company’s future.
Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K regulatory
"material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K"
emerging growth company regulatory
"Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
FAQ
What change in leadership did Upwork (UPWK) disclose on July 14, 2026?
Upwork disclosed that its chief financial officer and principal financial officer, Erica Gessert, began a temporary medical leave effective July 14, 2026. During her absence, President and CEO Hayden Brown will serve as interim principal financial officer.
When does Upwork (UPWK) expect CFO Erica Gessert to return from medical leave?
Upwork currently anticipates that CFO and principal financial officer Erica Gessert will return to her role during the fourth quarter of 2026. This timing is described as an expectation and relates specifically to resuming her existing position.
Who is serving as interim principal financial officer at Upwork (UPWK)?
Hayden Brown, Upwork’s President and Chief Executive Officer, is serving as interim principal financial officer during Erica Gessert’s temporary medical leave. Brown retains the CEO role while assuming these additional financial reporting responsibilities on an interim basis.
Will Hayden Brown receive additional compensation for the interim finance role at Upwork (UPWK)?
No. Upwork states that Hayden Brown will not receive any additional compensation for serving as interim principal financial officer, and no changes were made to any plans or arrangements in which she participates due to this appointment.
Where can investors find Hayden Brown’s biographical information for Upwork (UPWK)?
Investors can find Hayden Brown’s biographical information in Upwork’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2026, which includes background on the company’s directors and executive officers.