Google Layoffs: Tech Major Announces Job Cuts At Waze As It Merges Mapping Products

Google has announced job cuts at its Waze mapping service as it merges the app’s advertising system with Google Ads Technology.

"In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, we've begun transitioning Waze's existing advertising system to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, we've reduced those roles focused on Waze Ads monetization," Google said in a statement, reported Reuters.

In December, Google said that it will integrate Waze and Google Maps teams to consolidate processes, making it a part of the Google Geo division, its real-world mapping products division that includes Google Maps, Google Earth and Street View.

Chris Philips, head of Google Geo Division, said Google will inform advertisers and partners about the move on Wednesday. 

The company is moving Waze over to Google’s Ads system, and the transition will result in job cuts at Waze in roles related to sales, marketing, operations, and analytics, Philips said in an email, according to a report by CNBC.

However, the email didn’t indicate the number of employees that would be affected by job cuts at Waze, which has more than 500 staffers. Google acquired Waze for around $1.3 billion in 2013.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet announced in January that it would be cutting 12,000 jobs or 6 per cent of its workforce, after witnessing a significant fall in revenue growth. The tech giant has downsized and eliminated certain projects amid efforts to increase efficiency.

The Waze app uses crowdsourcing to provide users with the fastest driving routes and real-time traffic information. It has approximately 140 million active users. 

According to a CNBC report, Google has been merging Waze with its own Geo unit since December last year. Neha Parikh stepped down from the position of CEO as part of this consolidation. 

“Decisions like these are incredibly difficult. Each one of these Wazers contributed to Waze’s success and culture, and I want to express my gratitude and respect for what they have achieved,” Phillips wrote in the email.