Firstup Welcomes Bill Schuh as New Chief Executive Officer Driving Workforce Innovation

Firstup Appoints Bill Schuh as New CEO

In a significant move to spearhead the next chapter of growth and innovation, Firstup, a leader in intelligent workforce communication, has officially named Bill Schuh as its new Chief Executive Officer. This announcement was made on June 17, 2025, and marks the succession from co-founder Nicole Alvino, who will transition to the role of Chairwoman of the Board to continue guiding the company’s vision.

Under Alvino's stewardship, Firstup has transformed its offerings and built a strong reputation within the industry. The platform has evolved from a basic internal communications tool to a comprehensive workforce orchestration solution, serving millions of employees across diverse organizations around the globe. Notably, it has achieved an impressive milestone of $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

Focused on Workforce Activation

The aim of Firstup is clear: to help organizations engage their entire workforce effectively. Bill Schuh brings a wealth of expertise to this role, describing Firstup's mission as addressing fundamental business challenges by enhancing engagement from desk workers to frontline employees. “Nicole and the team have established a solid foundation,” said Schuh, expressing his excitement to join a talented group that is committed to translating strategic goals into actionable plans across workforces.

Alvino corroborated the need for a leadership transition, stating, “The right time to pass the torch is when the business is well-positioned for success.” She emphasized the considerable strides that have been made in turning Firstup into a market leader focused on workforce activation through innovative solutions like AI-powered orchestration capabilities.

Proven Track Record

Schuh’s extensive experience as former Chief Revenue Officer of Anaplan showcases his proficiency in scaling enterprise software businesses. He played a significant role in propelling Anaplan's revenue from $450 million to over $1 billion ARR and has also held executive-level positions in other high-profile technology companies, such as Medallia and Sunrun, guiding them through successful public offerings.

This background suggests that Schuh is uniquely equipped to lead Firstup into its next growth phase. His expertise in devising go-to-market strategies is expected to enhance Firstup's value proposition to clients, partners, and shareholders alike.

Backed for Future Growth

Supported by Sumeru Equity Partners, Firstup is poised to capitalize on its AI-enhanced workforce orchestration platform. This is set to help organizations enhance connectivity and engagement within their teams, ultimately driving business success.

As a leading intelligent communication platform, Firstup is at the forefront of revolutionizing how companies engage with their workforce. By ensuring personalized, contextually-relevant communications at scale, Firstup aims to empower employees, ranging from those at desks to those on frontline operations, contributing positively to their overall productivity and job satisfaction.

With trusted partnerships with notable global brands like Boeing, Colgate-Palmolive, Dow, Providence, Tesco, and Toyota, Firstup demonstrates the capability to affect meaningful changes in employee engagement and retention across various industries.

In conclusion, as Bill Schuh steps into his role as CEO, the future looks promising for Firstup as it embarks on a journey of innovation focused on enhancing workforce communication and engagement. The transition of leadership not only underscores a commitment to growth but also reinforces a robust foundation from which the company can continue to thrive.