CHENNAI: Chennai-based entrepreneur Girish Mathrubootham has stepped down as CEO of SaaS company Freshworks and assumed a modern role as executive chairman. Dennis Woodside, president of the US-based company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, will become its modern chief executive officer (CEO).
Girish said the decision was not taken lightly and was based on his belief in the company’s vision and future. In his email to employees, Girish Mathrubootham said he grew Freshworks into a global Nasdaq-listed SaaS company, starting from a tiny startup in Chennai 14 years ago.
He said his future focus would be on long-term product vision, artificial intelligence and spending more time with the Indian team. “These are the areas where I draw the most energy and where I utilize my strengths.” The 49-year-old entrepreneur said he began talking to management several years ago about Freshworks’ long-term succession plans.
Commenting on the modern CEO, Girish expressed confidence that Dennis is the right leader to take on the role and highlighted his ability to attract top talent and build world-class teams, as well as operational excellence.
He thanked the employees and said it was moving for him. “Freshworks is my baby, and over the years I’ve watched her grow – as a little baby trying to walk, as a baby growing very speedy, and as a teenager growing so powerful. The emotions running through my head are similar to those of a father experiencing the marriage of his beloved daughter, joyful and gloomy at the same time, knowing full well that she has found the right one and will achieve greater things in life,’ said Girish.
Girish said the decision was not taken lightly and was based on his belief in the company’s vision and future. In his email to employees, Girish Mathrubootham said he grew Freshworks into a global Nasdaq-listed SaaS company, starting from a tiny startup in Chennai 14 years ago.
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He said his future focus would be on long-term product vision, artificial intelligence and spending more time with the Indian team. “These are the areas where I draw the most energy and where I utilize my strengths.” The 49-year-old entrepreneur said he began talking to management several years ago about Freshworks’ long-term succession plans.
Commenting on the modern CEO, Girish expressed confidence that Dennis is the right leader to take on the role and highlighted his ability to attract top talent and build world-class teams, as well as operational excellence.
Boost
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