Workday CEO Transition: Co-Founder Aneel Bhusri Returns to Lead AI-Driven Transformation

09.02.2026

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provider Workday announced on Monday a significant leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer Carl Eschenbach stepping down from his position and departing from the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Co-founder and former CEO Aneel Bhusri will resume the chief executive role to guide the company through its next strategic phase.

Eschenbach joined Workday in December 2022 as co-CEO alongside Bhusri, subsequently assuming sole CEO responsibilities in February 2024. Bhusri, who had led the organization since 2009 in various capacities—alternating between co-CEO and sole CEO positions—has been serving as Executive Chairman since 2024.

The company confirmed that Bhusri's return to the CEO position is permanent, rather than an interim arrangement during an executive search process. This strategic leadership change aligns with Workday's renewed focus on artificial intelligence as a core business driver.

"We're now entering one of the most pivotal moments in our history," Bhusri stated in the company's official press release. "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."

This transition follows a period of organizational restructuring at Workday. In February of the previous year, the company implemented a workforce reduction affecting 8.5% of its headcount, eliminating approximately 1,750 positions. At that time, Eschenbach emphasized the necessity for a revised approach to workforce management in the AI era.

Sources:
Workday Official Announcement

Tags: leadership AI strategy Enterprise Software Workday CEO Transition

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