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Two years after stepping back from his executive role with the Pleasanton-based company, Workday co-founder Aneel Bhusri has returned as its sole CEO to “lead the company’s next chapter”, according to an announcement Monday.
The move was effective immediately, with now-former CEO Carl Eschenbach also stepping back from his role on the company’s board. He will continue to serve as an adviser to Bhusri.
“I’m deeply grateful to Carl for leading Workday through an important chapter — scaling the company, building on our foundation, and positioning us well for what’s ahead,” Bhusri said in Monday’s announcement.
“We’re now entering one of the most pivotal moments in our history,” he continued. “AI is a bigger transformation than SaaS — and it will define the next generation of market leaders. I’m energized to return as CEO, working alongside our presidents Gerrit Kazmaier and Rob Enslin, and I’m excited about the opportunity in front of us.”
Eschenbach and Bhusri served as co-CEOs from 2022 to 2024, when Bhusri stepped back into an advisory role himself and Eschenbach began the two-year tenure as sole CEO that concluded Monday.Â
“It’s been a privilege to serve as CEO over the past three years and I’m proud of all we achieved — instilling greater operational discipline, expanding globally, broadening our industry focus, and laying meaningful groundwork in AI,” Eschenbach said. “I could not be more grateful to Aneel and to our board for the trust they placed in me to lead this special company, and I look forward to supporting Aneel and Workday in this next chapter.”
The move comes as the company kicks off its 2027 fiscal year, with fourth quarter and full-year financial results for the previous fiscal year set to be reported on Feb. 24.
Bhusri’s return comes as the company seeks to refine its focus to “leading in the rapidly evolving AI era”, according to Monday’s press release.
“Aneel and Dave Duffield founded Workday with a belief that work could be done differently, and they built one of the most innovative companies in enterprise software,” said Mark Hawkins, Workday vice chair and lead independent director.
“As we enter a defining moment shaped by AI, there is no one better than Aneel to lead this next chapter,” he continued. “His vision, conviction, and deep connection to Workday’s culture will position the company to continue to lead in a changing landscape.”
Founded in 2005, Workday has been based in Pleasanton since moving its headquarters from Walnut Creek in 2008.
