Instawork Names Jodee Kozlak, Former Target and Alibaba Group Executive, to Board of Directors

Digital Marketplace Platform Expands Board to Accelerate Growth and Provide Greater Value to Businesses and Workers Impacted by Ongoing Labor Shortage

Instawork, the leading digital marketplace connecting local businesses with skilled hourly professionals across the U.S., announced the appointment of Jodee Kozlak to its Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in guiding fast-growing companies through global expansion, Kozlak’s expertise will enable Instawork to scale and continue momentum in creating economic opportunities for businesses recovering from COVID-19, as well as for skilled professionals looking to get back to work.

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“With a proven track record in enabling global brands to exceed their financial goals and business goals, business strategy experience like Jodee’s is rare”

Kozlak was one of the longest serving C-Suite leaders on the Executive Committee of Target Corporation, having spent more than a decade as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In that capacity she worked closely with the Board, CEO, and the Executive team to improve core operating performance and transform the organization’s digital acumen, comprehensively setting the strategy for Target’s global workforce of over 350,000 team members during an era of profitable growth and strong team engagement for the company. During her 15-year tenure, Jodee held other key leadership roles including general counsel for the International Owned Brands Sourcing Business, general counsel for Labor and Employment, and trustee of the Target Foundation.

Kozlak also previously served as the Global Senior Vice President and Senior Business Advisor for Alibaba Group, helping drive international expansion outside of China. As the first professional in this position, she established the strategic direction for all worldwide talent and capability activities, leveraging both rapid organic growth and a strong M&A plan to quickly enable global operations.

As a member of the Instawork Board of Directors, Kozlak plans to use her background and proficiency in corporate strategy, organizational development, and global expansion to continue driving Instawork’s growth and mission forward.

“There has never been a greater need for a solution like Instawork than there is right now,” said Jodee Kozlak. “As our country continues to get back on its feet amid the ongoing pandemic, businesses are crippled by staffing shortages while individuals struggle to find positions that fit their needs. My previous executive leadership experience has given me a bird’s eye view of the issues American businesses and skilled workers are currently facing, and Instawork’s technology has the power to bridge this gap. I’m honored to join Instawork and eager to apply my unique perspective toward the company’s continued momentum.”

According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor, there are 3.5 million fewer people in the workforce relative to February 2020. In addition, the study found that the overall turnover rate is nearly 60%. Instawork is supporting both businesses seeking to fill open positions and skilled hourly workers across a number of industries including food and beverage, hospitality, retail, and warehouse logistics. With over one million Instawork Professionals (Pros) across the U.S., shifts available via Instawork have grown 8X in less than two years.

“With a proven track record in enabling global brands to exceed their financial goals and business goals, business strategy experience like Jodee’s is rare,” said Sumir Meghani, Co-founder and CEO of Instawork. “We are grateful to have her as a member of our Board of Directors, as we continue to expand Instawork’s footprint and get Americans back to work.”

Kozlak’s appointment comes on the heels of Instawork’s $60 million Series C––bringing total funding to $100 million––and the company’s acquisition of Drafted, a network recruiting platform that helps businesses hire by leveraging referrals, in an effort to continue bolstering Instawork’s growth and mission.

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