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NASDAQ: UPWK UPWORK, INC 8-K

Upwork CFO Gessert takes medical leave; CEO Brown assumes interim financial officer role

Filed July 16, 2026 · Period ending July 16, 2026 · ~1 min read

2 key changes 1 section

Key Changes

  • medium

    CFO Erica Gessert began temporary medical leave July 14, 2026, with expected return in Q4 2026.

    Item 5.02 verify on EDGAR →
  • medium

    CEO Hayden Brown assumes interim principal financial officer duties during Gessert's absence, with no additional compensation.

    Item 5.02 verify on EDGAR →

Summary

Upwork disclosed that CFO Erica Gessert is taking a temporary medical leave effective July 14, 2026, with the company anticipating her return during the fourth quarter of 2026. During her absence, CEO Hayden Brown will serve as interim principal financial officer while continuing her CEO responsibilities, receiving no additional compensation for the dual role. For retail investors, this is a routine governance matter with no immediate red flags.

The leave is explicitly temporary with a defined expected return timeline, and the CEO stepping into the interim CFO role ensures continuity in financial leadership. The arrangement avoids the disruption and cost of an external interim hire while Gessert is on leave. The company's proactive disclosure and clear succession plan suggest orderly management of a temporary personnel matter.

Section-by-Section Diff

Event · Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation

~300 words

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation filed; see Key Changes for terms.

1 Added
Added Interim principal financial officer appointment medium

Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →

During Ms. Gessert’s leave, Hayden Brown, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of the Company’s interim principal financial officer.

CEO Hayden Brown will serve as interim principal financial officer during Gessert's medical leave. Brown will receive no additional compensation for this interim role, and no changes have been made to her existing compensation arrangements.

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View original filing on SEC.gov

Figures/quotes linked to EDGAR · Narrative written by AI · Jul 17, 2026 · How we verify