GIRISH MATHRUBOOTHAM STEPS DOWN AS CEO OF FRESHWORKS; TO CONTINUE AS CHAIRMAN & FOCUS ON INDIA TEAM, AI

CHENNAI: Chennai-based entrepreneur Girish Mathrubootham stepped down as the chief executive of SaaS company Freshworks and took over the new role of executive chairman. US-headquartered, Nasdaq-listed company’s president Dennis Woodside will be its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Girish said the decision was not taken lightly and comes with a belief in vision and the future of the company. In his mail to employees Girish Mathrubootham said he scaled Freshworks as a global SaaS company listed in Nasdaq, starting as a tiny startup in Chennai 14 years ago.

He said going forward his focus will be on long-term product vision, artificial intelligence and spending more time with the Indian team. “These are areas where I get the most energy and where I’m also playing to my strengths.” The 49-year-old entrepreneur said he started talking to the board about succession long-term plans for Freshworks a couple of years ago.

Commenting on the new CEO, Girish said he’s confident that Dennis is the right leader to take on the role and credited his ability to attract top talent and build world-class teams, and operational excellence.

He thanked the employees and said it was emotional for him. “Freshworks is my baby, and over the years I have seen her grow—as a toddler trying to walk, a child growing really fast, and a teenager growing stronger. The emotions running through my mind are similar to a father experiencing his beloved daughter’s marriage, happy and sad at the same time, knowing fully well that she has found the right one and is going to accomplish greater things in life,” Girish said.