Workday Inc. co‑founder Aneel Bhusri returns as CEO to lead AI pivot

Bhusri returns to lead Workday's AI pivot

PLEASANTON, Calif., Feb 9 (Reuters) - Workday Inc. names co‑founder Aneel Bhusri as chief executive officer as the enterprise software company pivots to a new phase centered on artificial intelligence. The change, effective immediately, brings Bhusri back from his role as executive chair to lead what the board calls “one of the most pivotal moments” for the company as AI reshapes how businesses manage people, money and agents.

Bhusri says AI represents a larger transformation than the shift to software‑as‑a‑service and that he is energized to return and work closely with presidents Gerrit Kazmaier and Rob Enslin as Workday kicks off fiscal 2027. The company positions its enterprise AI platform to accelerate product integration and customer adoption across human capital management, financial management and emerging agent automation capabilities. Bhusri’s reinstatement signals a strategic emphasis on technology leadership and product direction rather than a change in market or financial strategy.

The board frames the move as continuity with a sharper AI focus. Mark Hawkins, vice chair and lead independent director, praises Bhusri’s vision and cultural connection and points to the founders’ original belief that work could be done differently. With co‑founder Dave Duffield credited for early innovation, the board says Workday is well positioned to pursue AI opportunities across its portfolio and to deepen engagement with a global customer base.

Eschenbach shifts roles after three years

Outgoing CEO Carl Eschenbach steps down after three years that the company says strengthened operational discipline, expanded industry focus and laid groundwork in AI. Eschenbach will remain as strategic advisor to the CEO, a role intended to provide continuity as the company accelerates product and go‑to‑market initiatives under Bhusri.

Guidance reaffirmed, governance noted

Workday reaffirms its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full‑year outlook and discloses related expectations in a Form 8‑K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 4, 2026. The board expresses gratitude for Eschenbach’s leadership and signals confidence that the leadership change supports sustained investment in AI across Workday’s enterprise platform.