Mapping Company HERE Puts Dozens of Employees in Israel on Unpaid Leave

The Israel-based mobility division of Chicago-headquartered mapping company HERE Global BV has put dozens of its 250 employees on unpaid leave, according to one person familiar with the matter who spoke to Calcalist on condition of anonymity.

HERE’s mobility division was formed in 2016 out of an Israeli unit of British startup Karhoo Inc. It is headed by Liad Yitshak, former head of data at Waze. The move was done as part of HERE’s global reorganization and cutback plans caused by the global coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, the person said.

Employees from all divisions of the company’s Israel operations—including development, marketing, and administration—were put on two months unpaid leave and, according to the person, the company intends to reinstate them, though a final decision has yet to be made due to the uncertainty caused by the crisis.

HERE’s mobility division develops smart mobility management systems for taxi companies, hotels, cultural institutions, enterprises, and private individuals offering transportation or shuttle services. HERE’s technology allows operators to manage pre-booked and on-demand rides.