The COFO: What New Role Means for Salesforce’s AI Push
The integration of AI into enterprise software has triggered a wave of restructuring across technology companies as they adapt their operations for AI-enabled products. To adapt to these changes, firms are creating new executive roles that combine traditional corporate functions with oversight of AI initiatives.
This shift is particularly evident in the tech sector, where companies face pressure to embed AI capabilities into their core products – leading established software providers such as Salesforce to reconsider their leadership structures to align technical innovation with business operations.
The enterprise software company has announced it has created a new executive position that combines operational and financial oversight as it accelerates its AI strategy – appointing Robin Washington as President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), a new role that merges traditional finance responsibilities with operational leadership. Having served on Salesforce’s board since 2013, Robin will oversee the development of Agentforce – the company’s digital labour platform that uses AI to automate business processes.
Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, says: “Robin has been a trusted partner, advisor and a key architect of our strategy as we accelerate the rise of Agentforce — the first digital labour platform. Her operational mastery, financial expertise and strategic vision make her the perfect leader to guide Salesforce through this transformational shift.”
New role signals shift towards AI integration
The creation of the COFO position marks a departure from Salesforce’s corporate structure, reflecting its strategy to integrate AI capabilities across its operations. The role combines oversight of the company’s financial performance with direct responsibility for implementing AI-powered solutions through the Agentforce platform.
Robin brings technology sector experience that aligns with this dual focus. She currently serves as a director at Alphabet, the parent company of Google, biotech firm Eikon Therapeutics, Honeywell International and Vertiv Holdings., and previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Gilead Sciences, the biotechnology company, from 2008 to 2019, while her earlier roles as Chief Financial Officer at Hyperion Solutions and Chief Accounting Officer at PeopleSoft demonstrate experience in scaling technology operations.
- Washington has served on Salesforce's board for 11 years, since 2013
- Millham departs after 25 years at Salesforce
- Washington previously spent 11 years as EVP and CFO at Gilead Sciences (2008-2019)
The appointment coincides with the retirement of Brian Millham, Salesforce’s President and Chief Operating Officer, who departs after 25 years with the firm. “From pioneering Salesforce’s legendary sales organisation to building a world-class Customer Success operation, to driving our operational and financial transformation as COO, Brian has shaped the very DNA of Salesforce,” Marc notes.
Agentforce strategy shapes leadership structure
The executive changes represent a broader transformation at Salesforce as it positions AI agents as central to its future growth. The Agentforce platform aims to provide businesses with AI-powered digital workers that can automate complex tasks across customer relationship management systems.
The restructure also affects other leadership positions. Arnold Donald will become Lead Independent Director following Robin’s transition to her executive role, while Amy Weaver, the current Chief Financial Officer who announced her planned departure last year, will leave Salesforce once the handover completes.
Executive structure evolves with AI focus
The creation of the COFO role reflects broader changes in Salesforce’s leadership structure as it integrates AI across its operations. Robin will work alongside other technical leaders including Srini Tallapragada, President and Chief Engineering Officer, who leads the development of the company’s Customer 360 platform and Hyperforce infrastructure.
Juan Perez, who joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer in 2022, has oversight of Salesforce’s global IT team and digital strategy, and will complement Robin's operational focus on AI agents.
Having worked closely with Marc and the executive team for over a decade, I couldn't be more excited to help lead Salesforce and our global community of employees, customers, and Trailblazers into this agent-first era
The technical development of AI capabilities falls under Parker Harris, Salesforce co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Slack, who sets the technical vision across the company’s products. This work connects with the company’s broader impact strategy, led by Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer Suzanne DiBianca, who oversees environmental, social and governance initiatives.
The new COFO role bridges these technical and operational functions, providing unified leadership of both financial performance and AI implementation. The structure positions Salesforce to integrate AI capabilities while maintaining its focus on customer relationship management.
Robin says: “Having worked closely with Marc and the executive team for over a decade, I couldn’t be more excited to help lead Salesforce and our global community of employees, customers and Trailblazers into this agent-first era that will fundamentally change how businesses operate, innovate and grow.”
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