Twitter’s head of communication, Natalie Kerris, is leaving the company just months after joining. The social media platform confirmed the news on Monday, saying that Chief Marketing Officer Leslie Berland will take over the position’s responsibilities, leading both the communications and marketing divisions.
Twitter bears another loss
Kerris, who previously worked at Apple as a senior public relations executive, joined the micro-blogging site in early February. Kerris worked at Apple for 14 years and supervised Apple’s PR department during many crucial eras, including the release of the iPhone.
“During her time leading communications at Twitter, Natalie helped us share the Twitter story with the world. We are grateful for her energy and enthusiasm and the impact she’s had, even in this short time. We wish her all the best,” Twitter said in a statement.
Twitter has not been doing well lately and has struggled to attract more users and advertisers to its platform. Other social media platforms like Snapchat and Facebook are doing much better. For the three months through June, sales missed estimates, and Twitter’s sales guidance for the third quarter missed analysts’ forecasts as well.
With Twitter’s slowing growth, Kerris was considered to be someone who could help the company communicate better. She came after a progression of shake-ups in Twitter’s communication strategy and at the company by and large.
Departure at a crucial time
Kerris’ exit comes at a crucial time when the micro-blogging site is being scrutinized over its treatment of online harassment. The company recently banned controversial journalist Milo Yiannopoulos for posting abusive and offending comments towards specific users and allegedly indirectly asking others to do the same. Leslie Jones, star of the rebooted Ghostbusters movie, was one of his targets. Jones said she was leaving the platform after receiving offending comments.
“I feel like I’m in a personal hell. I didn’t do anything to deserve this. It’s just too much. It shouldn’t be like this. So hurt right now,” Jones tweeted at that time. “I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart.”
Kerris joins the long list of executives who have quit Twitter’s communication department. This should not be ignored or taken lightly by the social media platform.
On Monday, Twitter shares closed up 0.04% at $16.64. Year to date, the stock is down more than 25%, while in the last year, it is down more than 46%. The stock has a 52-week high of $31.87 and a 52-week low of $13.73.
