For the first time, Bumble App has hired a General Manager, Drena Kusari, who officially came on board in December 2022. Drena will oversee Bumble App business worldwide, including all three modes: Bumble Date, Bumble Bizz, and Bumble BFF.
Drena is responsible for crucial functions including product, design, marketing, and monetization, working in close partnership with other leaders across parent company Bumble Inc.
Drena has been involved in a number of philanthropic causes over the course of her career, including the advancement of girls and women in tech, youth education, and economic empowerment of underprivileged communities. Her most recent role was as General Manager and Vice President at rideshare company Lyft.
The Occidental College and Harvard Business School graduate sat down to answer some questions to help our community get to know her better.
Q: Drena, why did you make the decision to join Bumble?
A: Bumble is a company that I have admired for a long time, and I am thrilled to be a part of this mission-driven team that’s passionate about empowering women at this crucial moment. So much of what I care deeply about as a woman, a mother of two daughters and someone who came to this country as an immigrant at a young age under challenging circumstances is woven throughout the mission and values of Bumble. And to now have the opportunity to take what I’ve learned from my work over the years and join a team fighting for ALL women around the world is a dream come true
Q: What is the General Manager of Bumble App responsible for?
A: In my role, I will oversee the Bumble app business worldwide, including Bumble Date, Bumble Bizz, and Bumble BFF. My key focus areas include product, design, marketing, and monetization working in close partnership with other leaders across Bumble Inc.
Q: What are you most excited about as the new GM of Bumble App?
A: Bumble has a world-class team and a diverse group of leaders that I’m excited to partner with to help accelerate Bumble’s strategy of driving safe and kind user engagement. We’ve seen great momentum not only in our core markets but also in our newer markets globally. I’m encouraged by the success we’ve seen and bolstering the progress we’ve seen in international growth markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America is also top of mind.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: Although Bumble Date came after I found my partner, I’ve created a profile since joining the team and have also actively been engaging with Bumble’s friend-finding and professional networking modes, Bumble BFF and Bizz, to encourage my connections to share any feedback with me. It’s always great to hear feedback directly from the community, which I feel like is where best innovations are inspired by.