Robin Washington to Lead Salesforce’s Next Chapter as President and COFO

In a significant leadership shakeup, Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) has announced the appointment of Robin Washington as its new President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), effective March 21, 2025.

This newly created dual role combines the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, signaling a streamlined approach to leadership as the company navigates its next phase of growth.

Washington, a seasoned executive with decades of experience in financial and operational strategy, has been a member of Salesforce’s board since 2013.

She most recently served as Lead Independent Director, a position she held since 2022. Her extensive resume includes leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, Hyperion, and PeopleSoft, as well as serving on the boards of Alphabet, Honeywell International, and Eikon Therapeutics.

This appointment comes amid major transitions at Salesforce. Current COO Brian Millham, who has been with the company for 25 years and played a pivotal role in its rise to prominence, will retire on May 1, 2025, transitioning into an advisory role.

Additionally, CFO Amy Weaver, who announced her planned departure last year, will step down once Washington assumes her new position.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff praised Washington’s leadership capabilities, stating:

“Robin has been a trusted partner and key architect of our strategy. Her operational mastery and financial expertise make her the perfect leader to guide Salesforce into this transformational era.”

Washington’s tenure begins at a critical juncture for Salesforce as it emphasizes its “Agentforce” initiative—a digital labor platform designed to enhance automation across sales and customer service operations.

The company aims to drive profitable growth and operational excellence while addressing slowing revenue growth in an increasingly competitive software market.

As part of the transition, Arnold Donald will succeed Washington as Lead Independent Director on Salesforce’s board.

Reflecting on her new role, Washington expressed excitement about leading the company into what she described as an “agent-first era” that will redefine how businesses innovate and grow.

This leadership overhaul underscores Salesforce’s commitment to adapting its structure for future challenges while leveraging Washington’s deep expertise to steer the company through its next chapter.

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