Workday Co-Founder Aneel Bhusri Returns as CEO in Leadership Transition
The transition is effective immediately, with current CEO Carl Eschenbach stepping down from the role.
Workday has announced a leadership change with co-founder and executive chair Aneel Bhusri returning as chief executive officer, as the enterprise software company looks to strengthen its position in the fast-evolving AI market.
The transition is effective immediately, with current CEO Carl Eschenbach stepping down from the role and the board while continuing as a strategic advisor to Bhusri.
"When I first joined, I knew we had a massive opportunity to take this great company and scale it for the global stage. I’m proud of what this team has accomplished together. We’ve strengthened operations, expanded into critical new markets, and grown a world-class partner ecosystem. Most importantly, our Workmates have positioned the company to lead as an enterprise AI platform," Eschenbach said in a social media post.
The company said the move comes as it enters its next phase focused on AI-driven growth across its platform for managing finance, HR and enterprise data. Eschenbach had led Workday through a period of global expansion, operational discipline and broader industry reach.
“We're now entering one of the most pivotal moments in our history. 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,” said Bhusri.
Board members praised both leaders, noting Bhusri’s deep connection to the company’s culture and long-term vision, while crediting Eschenbach with strengthening Workday’s global operations and laying the groundwork in AI.
"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. His vision, conviction, and deep connection to Workday's culture will position the company to continue to lead in a changing landscape."
Workday reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter and full-year outlook and is scheduled to report results later in February. The company, used by more than 11,000 organisations worldwide, said the leadership transition is aimed at guiding its next chapter of growth in enterprise AI.
