Hims & Hers, a prominent telehealth and wellness platform, has appointed Mo Elshenawy, the former President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of autonomous vehicle company Cruise, as its new CTO. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into its healthcare services.
Founded in 2017, Hims & Hers initially focused on men’s health, offering treatments for conditions like erectile dysfunction and hair loss. The company expanded its services to include women’s health, mental health, and weight loss treatments, reflecting its mission to provide comprehensive, personalized healthcare solutions.
The decision to recruit from the autonomous vehicle industry was deliberate. Andrew Dudum, co-founder and CEO of Hims & Hers, emphasized the parallels between autonomous driving and healthcare, noting that both fields require leveraging technology and data in high-stakes environments where human lives are at risk. He stated, I was looking very much at leaders in the autonomous driving space, explicitly because you’re talking about leveraging technology and data and AI in an extremely high-sensitive environment where you have people’s lives at risk.
Elshenawy, who holds over ten patents in AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the similarities between the two industries, stating, Self-driving cars use AI to make real-time decisions in complex, high-stakes and heavily regulated environments, where earning trust is everything. Healthcare operates under the same conditions. You’re dealing with people’s lives, limited resources, and systems under stress. Translating AI into safe, reliable decision-making at scale applies directly to what we’re building at Hims & Hers.
This appointment aligns with Hims & Hers’ ongoing efforts to enhance its AI capabilities. In November 2023, the company introduced MedMatch, an AI-driven service designed to assist healthcare providers in delivering personalized care. MedMatch utilizes machine learning algorithms trained on anonymized data from millions of clinical visits to identify optimal treatments for patients, particularly those seeking support for anxiety and depression. The system evaluates factors such as treatment formulation, dosage strength, and form factor to recommend personalized care plans. During its initial beta phase, MedMatch was assessed based on metrics like remission rates, time to remission, and patient satisfaction. The company plans to expand MedMatch to additional health categories, aiming to deliver personalized care across a broader range of conditions. ([businesswire.com](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231106108871/en/Hims-Hers-Introduces-MedMatch-The-Next-Generation-of-Intelligent-Diagnostic-Services?utm_source=openai))
The integration of AI into healthcare services is part of Hims & Hers’ broader strategy to address the challenges of the U.S. mental health crisis. Many individuals avoid seeking treatment due to stigma and a lack of education about psychiatric disorders. Even when treatment is sought, a shortage of mental health professionals creates a gap between need and access. Furthermore, traditional treatment methods often require multiple visits, incurring time and financial burdens, and are typically based on a single provider’s experience. By leveraging AI, Hims & Hers aims to provide more efficient, personalized, and accessible mental health care. ([businesswire.com](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231106108871/en/Hims-Hers-Introduces-MedMatch-The-Next-Generation-of-Intelligent-Diagnostic-Services?utm_source=openai))
In addition to enhancing its AI capabilities, Hims & Hers has made significant strides in expanding its service offerings. In February 2025, the company acquired Trybe Labs, marking its entry into the at-home blood testing market. This acquisition enables Hims & Hers to offer diagnostic services for various health markers, including hormone levels, cardiac risk, cholesterol, liver and thyroid function, stress markers, and prostate health. The integration of at-home testing with AI-driven diagnostics positions the company to provide comprehensive, personalized healthcare solutions. ([ctol.digital](https://www.ctol.digital/news/hims-hers-at-home-testing-expansion-ai-regulatory-challenges/?utm_source=openai))
The appointment of Elshenawy is part of a series of strategic hires aimed at strengthening the company’s leadership team. Earlier this year, Hims & Hers announced the addition of Christopher Payne, former President and COO of DoorDash, to its Board of Directors. Payne brings extensive experience in scaling technology-driven businesses and is expected to provide valuable insights as the company continues to grow. ([news.hims.com](https://news.hims.com/newsroom/hims-hers-appoints-christopher-payne-seasoned-tech-industry-executive-as-newest-board-member?utm_source=openai))
Furthermore, in November 2024, the company appointed Deb Autor, former Deputy Commissioner at the FDA, to its Board of Directors, and Janet Stevens, a pharmaceutical quality expert, as Global Head of Quality & Safety. These appointments reflect Hims & Hers’ commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety across its platform. ([investors.hims.com](https://investors.hims.com/news/news-details/2024/Hims–Hers-Appoints-Tenured-Pharmaceutical-Regulatory-and-Quality-Experts-to-Key-Leadership-Positions/default.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Hims & Hers’ focus on AI and technology-driven solutions has also translated into strong financial performance. In the third quarter of 2023, the company reported a 57% increase in revenue compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth was attributed to the company’s unique offering of personalized solutions at compelling price points, resulting in increased market share across categories such as sexual health care and mental health. The mental health offering surpassed 125,000 subscribers in the third quarter while maintaining triple-digit growth. ([fiercehealthcare.com](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/hims-hers-boosts-2023-revenue-forecast-expects-be-profitable-early-2024?utm_source=openai))
The integration of AI into healthcare services is not without challenges. Ensuring patient data privacy, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building trust with users are critical considerations. However, Hims & Hers’ strategic hires and technological advancements position the company to navigate these challenges effectively.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the intersection of AI and personalized care is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical services. Hims & Hers’ proactive approach to integrating AI into its platform demonstrates a commitment to innovation and a vision for a more accessible and efficient healthcare system.
