Frenetic energy of a start up + lack of transparency, tons of red-tape and endless politicking = exhausting environment where very little meaningful work gets done.
I honestly lost count of the number of times I was asked to do something not-strategic and/or frankly non-sensical for “optics”. This environment where politicking and infighting reigns supreme there is so much wasted talent and even perhaps worse - I’ve seen multiple humble and eager employees slowly fade to resigned, jaded and gossipy. The lack of leadership and autonomy for execution really wore down a lot of people. Also workplace bullies have been consistently promoted so long as they are well connected.
I don’t think that this is consistent across the entire organization but there are large pockets where this is true. My advice to anyone considering working for Criteo - be really thorough with interviewing potential managers and peers and if you have any red flags - honor them they are most likely valid and picking up on a toxic situation. That said, if you don’t have any red flags and your potential team seem well rested happy and productive then go for it you may have found a great pocket of the company (they def exist)!
The other major issue with Criteo is it’s downright pitiful show of DEI. Pre 2020 there was absolutely none and even refusal by leadership to share diversity statistics. Post 2020 there are now some weak attempts that feel very much like playing lip service without any commitment to organizational change.
It’s also a disturbingly homogenous workforce in the US offices. I personally sat through so many cringe “diversity” programs by well meaning but utterly clueless white people. DEI leadership hire is inexplicably a white woman?! The lack of self awareness by the Company at this point is honestly inexcusable.
