CFOs Join the AI Race as New Change Agents

Making the shift

- SHIVANI SHINDE

Earlier this year, when global software giant Salesforce set out to appoint a new chief financial officer (CFO), the role came with an addition. Instead of hiring solely a CFO, the company wanted someone who would also play an integral role in operations.

That's why, four months ago, when Robin Washington was appointed CFO, she was also given the title of chief operating officer. When asked if this was the first time Salesforce had merged the two positions, she said: "I joined Salesforce only four months ago as chief operating and financial officer (COFO). This is the first time we have looked at the chief operating officer and the financial officer role as one. I think this allows us to break down silos. This also makes the COFO organization a much more effective business partner."