HubSpot shares rose about 6% after the company announced that co-founder Brian Halligan would return as chief executive officer, replacing Yamini Rangan, in a major leadership shake-up that also includes the planned retirement of Chief Financial Officer Kate Bueker.
The Boston-based customer relationship management software company announced the changes on Nov. 12, 2026, as it looks to revive its business and reposition itself amid growing competition in the software industry. Halligan, who co-founded HubSpot in 2005 with Dharmesh Shah, previously served as CEO for 16 years, before stepping down in September 2021. He will replace Rangan, who is leaving the CEO position and the company’s board effective immediately. Rangan will remain with HubSpot through December 1 to support the leadership transition.
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Halligan said the company needs a fresh start, describing his return as a “refounding.” He is expected to lead a broader rethink of HubSpot’s products, go-to-market strategy and corporate culture.
The leadership changes come as HubSpot faces pressure to restore investor confidence following a difficult year for its stock. Shares had fallen approximately 50% year to date, according to Quartz. The stock gained about 6% following the leadership announcement, according to market coverage by StreetInsider. The company also announced a transition in its finance leadership. Bueker, who has served as CFO since 2018, will retire on February 11, 2027. Karen Burgess, currently senior vice president and CFO of Adobe’s Creativity and Productivity business unit, will join HubSpot on November 30 as executive vice president of finance. She will formally take over as CFO in February. Bueker will remain in an advisory position through Dec. 31, 2027.
HubSpot’s leadership overhaul follows a period of organizational restructuring and concerns about growth. In October, the company announced plans to eliminate approximately 660 jobs, representing around 7% of its global workforce. The restructuring aimed to reduce management layers and create a flatter organizational structure.
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Despite the challenges, HubSpot reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of approximately $947.6 million, up 17% year over year. The company reaffirmed its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 financial guidance following the leadership announcement. Its full-year revenue forecast stands at approximately $3.69 billion.
During Rangan’s tenure, HubSpot expanded its customer base from 135,000 to more than 311,000, while annual revenue increased from $1.3 billion in 2021 to an expected $3.7 billion in 2026.
Halligan’s return places one of the company’s founders back at the helm as HubSpot seeks to rethink its products, business strategy and competitive positioning in an increasingly AI-driven software market.