Workday Co‑founder Aneel Bhusri Returns as CEO to Lead AI Transition

Bhusri Returns to Lead Workday's AI Transition

Pleasanton, Calif., Feb 9 (Reuters) — Workday Inc. announces co‑founder and executive chair Aneel Bhusri is returning as chief executive officer as the enterprise software firm pivots to lead in the rapidly evolving AI era. The move, effective immediately, replaces Carl Eschenbach, who steps down after three years as CEO and will remain a strategic advisor to the CEO. Workday presents itself as an enterprise AI platform for managing people, money and agents, and the board frames the leadership change as central to accelerating AI-driven product and go‑to‑market priorities.

The company says Bhusri is rejoining the day‑to‑day executive role to focus on bringing generative and applied AI capabilities across its HCM and financial suites, arguing the technology represents a larger transformation than the shift to SaaS. Bhusri signals he will work closely with presidents Gerrit Kazmaier and Rob Enslin as Workday begins fiscal 2027, aiming to translate recent AI groundwork into more integrated customer offerings and faster product innovation. The board expresses confidence that his co‑founder perspective and cultural ties to the company position him to shepherd strategic investments and partnerships needed to embed AI into core workflows.

Workday frames the leadership change as both a continuity and acceleration play. Vice chair and lead independent director Mark Hawkins praises Bhusri’s vision and cultural connection and credits Eschenbach with maturing the company operationally and expanding its global footprint. The board highlights that co‑founder Dave Duffield and Bhusri built Workday on a different model for work and says the company is well positioned to pursue AI opportunities across its installed base and product portfolio.

Board statement and financial posture

Workday reaffirms its fiscal 2026 fourth‑quarter and full‑year outlook and discloses related expectations in a Form 8‑K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 4. The company underscores that the leadership transition does not change its near‑term financial guidance.

Eschenbach’s transition

Eschenbach reflects on his tenure with pride in scaling the company and building operational foundations, and the board thanks him for guiding Workday into a more disciplined, global organization. He will continue to support Bhusri and the company in an advisory capacity during the AI‑focused chapter.