Hims & Hers pursues AI growth with new CTO from Cruise

Hims & Hers, a leading telehealth platform based in San Francisco, has recruited Mo Elshenawy, formerly of Cruise, as its new chief technology officer. CEO Andrew Dudum deliberately sought out talent from the autonomous driving field, recognizing its parallels with the high-stakes demands and data-driven nature of healthcare technology.

Mo Elshenawy previously oversaw technology at Cruise, the self-driving car subsidiary of General Motors, until GM halted its autonomous operations. Now, Elshenawy is bringing his experience with artificial intelligence and robust decision-making under pressure to the health sector.

AI Initiatives and Leadership Changes

Dudum believes that leaders from self-driving technology are adept at utilizing AI in regulated, safety-critical environments, drawing a clear connection to the responsibilities found in telehealth. Elshenawy himself sees significant overlap, noting that developing intelligent systems for healthcare requires the same diligence, trust, and regulatory navigation demanded by autonomous vehicles.

Hims & Hers, artificial intelligence, established in 2017 and now public through a merger, has expanded its offerings well beyond its initial men’s health solutions. The company now connects consumers directly to licensed providers for a wide range of services, including women’s health, mental health, and weight management.

The focus on artificial intelligence is already shaping core operations. Hims & Hers now serves up to 15,000 patients a day, compiling vast amounts of anonymized data on consultations and treatment outcomes.

These insights enable the training of advanced AI models, such as MedMatch—an internal tool that aids clinicians in identifying mental health treatments. Despite these advances, the platform retains a strict standard by keeping medical professionals at the heart of all clinical decisions, ensuring regulatory obligations are met.

Decision support tools powered by AI are intended to augment, rather than replace, provider expertise. The company places importance on transparency, allowing healthcare workers to review both recommendations and the data influencing them.

As more leadership talent joins—including recent appointments from Amazon—Hims & Hers is betting that the integration of AI with human oversight will position the company to deliver even higher levels of care and efficiency. The fusion of technology and healthcare expertise signals a bold next chapter for the company’s ambitious roadmap.