Grindr Announces Changes to Its Board of Directors
Grindr the Global Gayborhood in Your Pocket™, today announced updates to its Board of Directors. James Lu, who has served as Chairperson of the Board since 2020, has informed the company that he will step down from his position to focus on personal business priorities. In connection with his departure, the Board has appointed J. Michael Gearon, Jr. as Lead Independent Director. Mr. Gearon has been a member of the Grindr Board since November 2022.
Leadership Transition and Acknowledgment
In announcing his decision, Lu expressed gratitude for his time with Grindr and reiterated his continued confidence in the company’s growth and long-term vision.
“Since before we first acquired Grindr in 2020, I have had a deep conviction in the potential of the business — both for investors and for its global user base,” said Lu. “It has been a true honor to serve as Chairperson for more than five years. My decision to resign was not made lightly, nor does it indicate any less enthusiasm for Grindr’s future. I look forward to continuing productive engagement with the Board and supporting Grindr’s next phase of success.”
Under Lu’s leadership, Grindr successfully transitioned from private ownership to a publicly traded company, strengthened its brand as a global leader in social connection for the LGBTQ+ community, and expanded its offerings across multiple markets. His tenure was marked by significant milestones, including Grindr’s public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2022 and the continued enhancement of user engagement and monetization strategies.
George Arison, Chief Executive Officer of Grindr, expressed the company’s gratitude for Lu’s contributions and leadership:
“On behalf of Grindr and our entire Board of Directors, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to James for his substantial impact over the past five years,” said Arison. “His industry insight, technology expertise, and unwavering commitment helped guide Grindr through one of the most transformative periods in its history. James played a pivotal role in taking Grindr public and encouraging our focus on long-term opportunities that best serve our global community. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Appointment of Lead Independent Director
As part of the leadership transition, the Board has appointed J. Michael Gearon, Jr. as Lead Independent Director. Gearon, who joined the Grindr Board in 2022, brings extensive experience in corporate governance, business strategy, and investment management. In his new role, he will help ensure continued strong oversight and independent leadership within the Board as Grindr executes on its strategic initiatives and explores potential opportunities for shareholder value creation.
The company confirmed that the Board continues to actively evaluate new candidates for board membership as part of its ongoing governance and succession planning process, seeking individuals with complementary skills, diverse backgrounds, and relevant expertise to support Grindr’s growth trajectory.
Update on Take-Private Proposal
As previously disclosed, on October 31, 2025, Grindr’s Special Committee received a non-binding, unsolicited proposal from shareholders James Lu and Ray Zage to acquire all outstanding shares of Grindr for $18.00 per share in cash, representing a premium over the company’s recent trading price.
The Special Committee — comprised entirely of independent directors — continues to review and evaluate the proposal with the assistance of its independent legal and financial advisors. The Committee remains committed to acting in the best interests of all Grindr shareholders.
Statement from James Lu to the Board
Following his resignation, James Lu shared a letter addressed to the Grindr Board of Directors, reiterating his decision and outlining his intent to focus on the proposed transaction. The letter stated:
“I am writing to voluntarily resign from the Board of Directors of Grindr with immediate effect so that I may more fully focus on my business pursuits, including the non-binding proposal that I submitted together with co-bidders on October 24 to acquire the company at a significant premium for shareholders.”
“It has been my pleasure to serve as Chairperson of Grindr and its predecessor for more than five years and to work with the Board since Grindr’s IPO. My decision to resign is not a reflection of my views on Grindr. I remain optimistic about Grindr’s long-term prospects, as demonstrated by the proposal and my desire to take the company private to refocus and execute on opportunities for growth.”
“This decision allows me to focus fully on pursuing the proposal with the Board’s Special Committee. I look forward to a constructive and collaborative process that delivers the best possible outcome for shareholders, management, and employees alike.”
