How Will New CEO Miki Kuusi Lead Deliveroo’s Next Chapter?

Miki Kuusi, Founder of Wolt, has been named the new CEO of Deliveroo, replacing co-founder and CEO Will Shu following the completion of its acquisition by Doordash.

Will, who founded Deliveroo in 2013, announced on 18 September that he would be stepping down following the take-over by the US technology company.

Discussing the change of leadership at the online food delivery company, Doordash CEO and Co-Founder Tony Xu, said: “This is the beginning of a new chapter, not the end of an old one.

“Deliveroo’s DNA - its customer obsession and relentless pursuit to improve the experience of customers, merchants, and riders - remains the same.”

Miki, one of the six founders of Wolt, which was acquired by Doordash in 2022, will be continuing in his existing roles as Head of International at DoorDash and Wolt’s Chairman. 

Continuing Deliveroo’s values

Deliveroo has become part of the DoorDash business - the result of a deal worth £2.9bn (US$3.89bn).

Tony started DoorDash in 2013, alongside fellow co-Founders Andy Fang, Stanley Tang and Eva Moore, with the mission to grow and empower local economies.

He said in the recent statement: “We wanted to create a world where every local business - small, medium and large - could connect with every local consumer.”

This is a mission the CEO says is shared with Deliveroo, adding that for that reason “the Deliveroo app and products you know and love aren’t going anywhere” - noting that DoorDash wants to build on what Deliveroo has already accomplished.

Speaking to DoorDash employees, Tony outlined its commitments to Deliveroo: 

• For merchant partners, his vision is to help businesses on the High Street “not just succeed, but flourish”
• For consumers, he aims for the company to deliver more of what consumers love: “greater selection, higher quality, better affordability, and additional ways to connect with local merchants”
• For riders, DoorDash is committed to protecting the “flexibility that makes this work unique”

Discussing his new role at Deliveroo, Miki said on LinkedIn: “I want to thank Will for his incredible journey with Deliveroo and everything he’s done for our industry as a true pioneer.

“I’m also deeply grateful to Tony Xu for all of his trust and support as we take this next step forward as a global company. Upwards and onwards.”

Deliveroo Founder’s legacy

Will founded Deliveroo in 2013 with Greg Orlowski. The app eventually went public in 2021, creating a rival for the likes of Uber Eats in the UK.

However, in September the former CEO said he would be stepping down following the takeover in October.

He explains: “I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down.

“Taking Deliveroo from being an idea to what it is today has been amazing. Today the company’s growth and profitability are accelerating, and we are delivering on our mission to transform the way people shop and eat” - announcing it is time for him to contemplate his next challenge.

Commenting on Shu’s departure, Deliveroo Chair Claudia Arney said last month: “Will is an incredible innovator and has brought a unique mix of passion, vision and commitment to the creation and growth of Deliveroo.

“He has created a British success story that has had a hugely positive impact on the way we eat and shop, provided a new form of work for tens of thousands of people and helped thousands of restaurants and other merchants grow their businesses.”

Closing his statement to workers about the takeover, Tony said that he is grateful for the opportunity to serve Deliveroo’s stakeholders: “You have my commitment that we will work tirelessly to help power a future where local wins - everywhere.”