Joe G.
About Joe G.
Joe G. is the Co-Founder of Airbnb and Chairman of Airbnb.org, with a significant role in transforming Airbnb into a global platform. He currently serves as Co-Founder at Samara and as a Board Member at Tesla and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Co-Founder of Airbnb
Joe G. has served as the Co-Founder of Airbnb since its inception in 2008. He has played a significant role in the company's growth, helping to transform it from a small startup into a global platform with nearly 7 million listings. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Airbnb's vision and operational strategies, contributing to its recognition as one of the top 50 innovative companies by Fast Company.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at Airbnb, Joe G. co-founded Samara in 2022 and has been actively involved in its operations for two years. He also serves as a Board Member at Tesla and the Rhode Island School of Design, positions he has held since 2022 and 2013, respectively. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to innovation and design across various industries.
Education and Expertise
Joe G. earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic and Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied from 2000 to 2005. He also took joint classes at Brown University and studied Product Development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in entrepreneurship and design.
Previous Experience
Before co-founding Airbnb, Joe G. worked as an Industrial Designer at Chronicle Books from 2006 to 2007. He was also a co-founder of Ecolect, Inc., where he worked from 2006 to 2010. Earlier in his career, he gained experience as an intern at Item New Product Development in 2005. This diverse experience has contributed to his expertise in product development and design.
Achievements and Recognition
Joe G. has received notable recognition for his contributions to entrepreneurship. He was named in the Inc 30 Under 30 list, highlighting his impact as a young entrepreneur. Additionally, he has delivered talks at prestigious platforms such as TED, Wired, and 99U, where he shares insights on entrepreneurship and design.