Nasdaq-listed software-as-a-service (SaaS) company Freshworks, has announced a leadership transition, with founder Girish Mathrubootham stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Dennis Woodside being appointed as the new CEO and President, effective immediately.
Mathrubootham, who founded Freshworks in 2010 in Chennai, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. He will remain the Chairman of the Board of Directors, while Woodside will also continue as a member of the Board.
Under Mathrubootham’s leadership, Freshworks grew from a startup to a leading SaaS company serving over 67,000 customers globally with around 4,900 employees across 13 locations. He steered the company through its IPO on the Nasdaq in September 2021, making Freshworks the first India-born SaaS firm to be listed on a US exchange.
Woodside joined Freshworks as President in September 2022 and has since accelerated investments in enterprise-grade products and focused on mid-market and enterprise customer growth.
Prior to Freshworks, Woodside served as Chief Operating Officer at Dropbox, helping grow its revenue from $250 million to $1.3 billion and taking the company public in 2018. He has also held leadership roles at Google and Motorola Mobility, and previously served on the boards of ServiceNow and the American Red Cross.
In his new role as Executive Chairman, Mathrubootham will focus on Freshworks’ long-term product vision, innovation, and AI strategy, while working closely with Woodside on strategic decisions.
The transition is expected to allow Mathrubootham more time to engage with product teams in India and customers globally, while Woodside takes over the San Mateo-based company’s day-to-day operations and growth plans.
“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,” said Mathrubootham, in a statement to employees.