Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has stirred a debate with an unconventional job listing for the position of Chief of Staff at Zomato. Shared via LinkedIn on November 20, the listing introduced a twist: applicants must pay an “opportunity fee” of ₹20 lakh to join, with no salary during the first year. The fee is intended as a donation to Feeding India, Zomato’s not-for-profit initiative.
Key Details of the Job:
- Responsibilities: The Chief of Staff will work on diverse projects to shape the future of Zomato, Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.
- First-Year Structure:
- No salary will be paid to the selected candidate.
- A ₹20 lakh donation to Feeding India is mandatory.
- From Year Two:
- The company will pay a minimum salary of ₹50 lakh.
- Zomato will also donate ₹50 lakh to a charity chosen by the candidate.
- Long-Term Pay: While details are unspecified, Goyal hinted at a competitive pay structure from the second year onward.
Public Reactions:
- Support: Some lauded the initiative as a bold move that aligns with Zomato’s philanthropic ethos and seeks highly committed individuals.
- Criticism: Many criticized the structure, calling it elitist and inaccessible to talented candidates unable to afford the ₹20 lakh fee. Concerns were also raised about fairness and the exclusionary nature of such a model.
Zomato’s Vision:
The listing reflects Goyal’s vision of finding a candidate with deep alignment to Zomato’s values, particularly its commitment to social impact. However, the controversy highlights a broader debate about the balance between exclusivity, opportunity, and corporate innovation.
Would you consider applying for such a role, or do you think this approach sets the wrong precedent?
