Eren Bali, the Head of Innovation at Udemy, recently sparked discussion with a social media post on August 2, 2025, stating, > "Day 1 for the incoming CEO: I want ideas for a Sydney Sweeney ad!" The tweet, attributed to Bali, suggests a high-profile marketing initiative, though it also introduces a discrepancy regarding his current executive status.
Public records indicate that Bali transitioned into his current role as Head of Innovation at Udemy in June 2025. This move followed his tenure as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the online learning platform, a position he assumed in August 2024. Bali, a co-founder of Udemy, previously served as its Chief Executive Officer until 2014 and later as CEO of Carbon Health Technologies until August 2024. There are no public announcements or reports confirming his appointment as an "incoming CEO" of any company as of August 2025.
The mention of Sydney Sweeney points to a desire for impactful, celebrity-driven advertising. Sweeney is a highly sought-after figure in brand endorsements, having fronted campaigns for luxury brands like Armani Beauty and Chanel, as well as mainstream entities like Laneige and McDonald's. Her significant presence across diverse advertising sectors makes her a prominent choice for a high-visibility marketing push.
Bali's tweet, despite the unconfirmed "incoming CEO" reference, underscores a forward-thinking approach to marketing and brand visibility, aligning with his role focused on product strategy and artificial intelligence at Udemy. His vision for a high-profile advertising campaign could signal an aggressive strategy to enhance Udemy's market presence and appeal. The unconventional nature of the tweet suggests a direct, entrepreneurial spirit in driving new initiatives.
This bold public statement from Bali could foreshadow innovative marketing directions for Udemy, leveraging high-profile personalities to capture wider attention. It highlights a potential focus on creative and impactful campaigns aimed at expanding the platform's reach and solidifying its position in the competitive online education landscape.