Workday Announces CEO Transition as Co-Founder Aneel Bhusri Returns

Carl Eschenbach Steps Down After Leading Company Through a Period of Global Expansion and Operational Scale

Company Reaffirms Fiscal 2026 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Outlook

Workday, Inc, the enterprise AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, today announced that co-founder and current executive chair Aneel Bhusri is returning as chief executive officer as the company enters its next chapter, focused on leading in the rapidly evolving AI era. Carl Eschenbach is stepping down as CEO and as a member of the board after leading Workday through a period defined by global growth, an expanded industry focus, and strengthened operational discipline. He will continue to support Bhusri and the company as strategic advisor to the CEO.

Read More: Transforming Employee Benefits with AI: Smarter, Faster, and More Personalized Experiences

“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.”

“Carl stepped in at a pivotal time and helped Workday mature into a more global, disciplined organization,” Hawkins continued. “He strengthened the company’s operational foundation while leading with integrity and heart. We’re grateful for his leadership and the impact he’s had on the company. And we’re pleased that he will continue to support Aneel and the company as a strategic advisor.”

“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,” said Bhusri. “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.”

Also Read: AI Assistants for Recruiters: Transforming Hiring Efficiency and Experience

“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 noted. “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.”

Write to us [⁠wasim.a@demandmediaagency.com] to learn more about our exclusive editorial packages and programmes.