Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Announces 'Chief Of Staff' Post With Rs 20 Lakh Fee & No Salary For 1st Year

Zomato Ltd's founder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, recently turned heads with an unconventional job posting. On Wednesday, November 20, Goyal announced on LinkedIn that he is searching for a "Chief of Staff" to work closely with him. However, the offer comes with a twist-candidates must pay an "opportunity fee" of Rs 20 lakh for the role and will receive no salary for the first year. The fee, Goyal clarified, would be donated entirely to Feeding India, Zomato's charitable initiative.

In his post, Goyal described the position as a unique opportunity, emphasizing that the fee is not a revenue-generating move but a filter to attract genuine learners eager for personal and professional growth. "This is not a fancy, well-paying job to make you look cool. It's a fast-track learning program for ambitious individuals," he wrote.

The Role and Its Rewards

The selected candidate will undertake a multifaceted role, assisting in shaping the future of Zomato and its associated ventures, including Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. Goyal promised an enriching experience, touting "10x more learning than a two-year degree from a top management school."

Zomato's job posting outlined the compensation structure for this opportunity. While the first year is unpaid, the company pledged to donate Rs 50 lakh-equivalent to a typical Chief of Staff salary-to a charity of the candidate's choice. From the second year onward, the chosen candidate will receive a salary exceeding Rs 50 lakh, details of which will be discussed at that time.

Why the Rs 20 Lakh Opportunity Fee?

Zomato's rationale for the upfront fee lies in ensuring that applicants view the role as a transformative learning experience rather than a mere addition to their résumé. The company wants to attract those with a hunger for growth and a commitment to making a difference, not just those drawn by financial perks.

"Whether or not you succeed in this role, the learnings will be invaluable," stated Goyal. The fee acts as a litmus test for candidates' intent, with the entire sum directed to Feeding India.

On November 21 (Thursday), Zomato's shares were trading 2% lower at Rs 265.33 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) as of 10:10 am. However, this dip does little to overshadow the company's stellar performance over the past year. Zomato's stock has delivered a whopping 130% return in the last 12 months, including a nearly 115% surge in 2024 alone, cementing its status as a multibagger.

The Chief of Staff role promises an experience, enabling the chosen individual to work alongside some of the sharpest minds in consumer technology. It offers an insider's view of Zomato's ecosystem and a chance to contribute to its future trajectory.