Salesforce AI chief Clara Shih departs after 3 years

The AI leadership landscape at major tech companies is experiencing significant shifts, with recent departures at both Salesforce and Microsoft signaling potential strategic changes in corporate AI development.

Leadership transition details: Clara Shih has departed from her role as CEO of Salesforce AI after serving just 20 months in the position.

• Adam Evans, previously senior vice president of product for Salesforce AI Platform, has been promoted to executive vice president and general manager of Salesforce AI
• The news was initially reported by JMP Securities investment analyst Patrick Walravens
• Neither Shih nor Salesforce has made an official announcement about the departure

Background and experience: Shih brought extensive AI expertise and leadership experience to her role at Salesforce, having held multiple positions in the tech industry.

• Prior to leading Salesforce AI, Shih headed the company’s Service Cloud division
• She co-founded Hearsay Systems, an AI company focused on helping investment advisors
• Her career includes positions at Microsoft, Google, and an earlier stint at Salesforce
• Shih is also known as a tech thought leader and has authored two industry-focused books

Key achievements: During her tenure, Shih made significant contributions to Salesforce’s AI initiatives.

• She led the development of Agentforce, a platform for building autonomous AI bots, which launched in September 2024
• Under her leadership, Salesforce continued to expand its AI capabilities across its product portfolio

New leadership profile: Adam Evans brings entrepreneurial experience and AI expertise to his new role.

• Evans has a history of successful ventures, including co-founding SalesforceIQ in 2015
• His company Airkit, a low-code platform vendor, was acquired by Salesforce in October 2023
• Prior to his new appointment, Evans served as senior vice president of product for Salesforce AI Platform

Industry context: The leadership changes extend beyond Salesforce, indicating broader movement in the AI sector.

• Microsoft’s vice president of AI, Luis Vargas, is also departing after nearly 16 years
• Vargas announced plans to become CTO of a new AI venture

Looking ahead: These leadership changes at major tech companies could signal a new phase in corporate AI development, as organizations adjust their strategies and bring in fresh perspectives to drive innovation in an increasingly competitive market.