Enterprise resource planning software firm Workday announced on Monday the immediate departure of its chief executive, Carl Eschenbach, from both his role and the company’s board. Co-founder and former CEO Aneel Bhusri is set to reassume the CEO position.
Eschenbach first joined Workday in December 2022, serving as co-CEO with Bhusri, before becoming the sole CEO in February 2024. Bhusri, who has been at the helm of the company in various capacities, including co-CEO and sole CEO, since 2009, had been the executive chairman since 2024.
Workday confirmed to TechCrunch that Bhusri’s return to the CEO role is permanent, not an interim appointment while a successor is sought.
This leadership transition at Workday is driven by the company’s declared focus on artificial intelligence for its upcoming phase of growth.
In Monday’s press release, Bhusri stated, “We are now at a critical juncture in our history. AI represents a more significant transformation than SaaS and will shape the next generation of industry leaders. I am eager to resume my role as CEO, collaborating with presidents Gerrit Kazmaier and Rob Enslin, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.”
In February of the previous year, Workday reduced its workforce by 8.5%, affecting 1,750 employees. At that time, Eschenbach indicated that the company required a revised strategy for its workforce in the era of AI.