Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Google is cutting jobs as it continues to merge the team working on the mapping service Waze with its group overseeing the company’s Maps product, as the search giant faces pressure to streamline operations and cut costs.
Waze has been transitioning its existing advertising software to Google Ads technology. As a result, the company is reducing roles focused on Waze Ads monetization.
The news was first reported by CNBC, citing an email from Chris Phillips, who oversees Google’s maps division called Geo.
Phillips said the company is shifting its Waze strategy to include Google ads rather than using a separate ads system.
"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," said Google, which acquired Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013.
The move will result in job cuts in the sales, marketing, operations and analytics departments, said Google, without giving details on the number of layoffs.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive