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US: Airbnb has appointed former Lime executive David Spielfogel as global head of public policy as Jay Carney prepares to leave the short-term rental platform.
Spielfogel, most recently chief business officer at electric vehicle company Lime, will oversee Airbnb’s global policy strategy and report to co-founder and chief strategy officer Nate Blecharczyk.
The appointment forms part of a restructuring that will separate Airbnb’s policy and communications functions. Vice president of communications Fallon O’Connor will report directly to co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.
Carney has led Airbnb’s policy, communications and crisis management teams since joining the company in 2022. He previously led global corporate affairs at Amazon and served as White House press secretary under former US president Barack Obama.
Spielfogel has experience working on both sides of city regulation. He held roles within the administration of former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel between 2010 and 2016, where his work included short-term rental policy and Airbnb’s regulation in the city.
He subsequently held senior policy and operational positions at Lime, including chief policy and communications officer and chief business officer. His work at the shared transport company included engaging with local authorities and securing permits across international markets.
The appointment comes as Airbnb continues to face different regulatory frameworks across its global markets. Cities including New York and Barcelona have introduced or announced significant restrictions on short-term rentals, while the platform has also challenged or sought changes to proposed rules in several jurisdictions.
Spielfogel replaces Theo Yedinsky, Airbnb’s former vice president of public policy, who left the company in December 2025.
Airbnb has not disclosed Carney’s next role or the date on which he will leave the company.
Highlights
- David Spielfogel has been appointed Airbnb’s global head of public policy.
- Spielfogel previously worked on short-term rental regulation within Chicago City Hall.
- Jay Carney will leave Airbnb after joining the company in 2022.
- Airbnb is separating the leadership of its policy and communications functions
