Co-CEO of Salesforce steps down

SAN FRANCISCO: Salesforce.com Inc co-chief executive officer Keith Block stepped down on Tuesday after revamping the software maker’s growth strategy, helping fuel a fourfold increase in revenue during his tenure.

Block garnered less public attention than founder and CEO Marc Benioff during his seven years at the market leader for customer-relations software, but took command of day-to-day operations behind the scenes.

Block, promoted from president to chief operating officer to co-CEO with Benioff in August 2018, professionalised the sales organisation, taking lessons from his 26-year stint at Oracle Corp.

He persuaded Benioff the company should tailor software for different industries, which expanded the universe of customers. And, as co-CEO, Block allowed Benioff time to focus on his many political and philanthropic initiatives.

“Keith has really inspired us to be much more committed to verticals and vertical solutions than ever before,” Benioff said on a conference call with analysts. “It’s going to be a huge part of his legacy here.”

Benioff said he would partner with Block in his undisclosed “next chapter.”

“The former co-CEO will remain an adviser,’’ the company said.

Despite Block’s departure, Benioff tried to reassure investors that Salesforce has a deep leadership bench.

The company recently promoted Bret Taylor, the former product head, to chief operating officer and gave him additional responsibilities, suggesting he will become even more consequential in Block’s absence.

Block’s focus on selling industry-specific software will remain prominent at the company, which also on Tuesday announced a $1.3 billion acquisition of Vlocity Inc to bolster that effort.

Vlocity’s apps focus on six specific industries and help subscribers manage relationships with their customers, including T-Mobile US Inc and TELUS Corp.