Nadiem Makarim won’t retain ‘any executive or advisory role’ at Gojek, company says

Outgoing CEO Nadiem Makarim “will no longer retain any executive or advisory role” at Gojek, the company confirmed in a statement today.

Gojek yesterday announced that co-founder Makarim had relinquished the top spot after accepting an invitation to join the new cabinet of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, following this year’s general election.

Gojek co-founder and former CEO Nadiem Makarim / Photo credit: Gojek

Today’s statement also gave further details on the division of duties between Makarim’s successors – former president Andre Soelistyo and co-founder Kevin Aluwi – who are taking over the reins as co-CEOs.

“Andre will focus on corporate functions and management of capital allocation, international expansion, as well as payments and financial services, while Kevin will focus on the product development elements of the Gojek business as well as marketing, organizational development, and the transportation and food delivery businesses,” the company said.

The inauguration of the new Indonesian government is set to take place tomorrow. It isn’t yet clear what portfolio Makarim will hold, though it has been rumored – prior to yesterday’s news – that he may assume the role of digital economy minister.

Confirmation that he won’t retain any internal roles at Gojek will go some way toward soothing concerns about potential conflict of interest issues, given the unicorn’s star status in the country’s growing tech startup ecosystem.

However, Gojek’s statement didn’t mention if Makarim or his family would divest any ownership interest in the company.

Tech in Asia has asked Gojek for more details, and will update this article as necessary.