Autodesk CEO steps down

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Image credit: PRNewsFoto/Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk’s Chief Executive Officer Carl Bass has stepped down, the software developer announced on Tuesday.

Image credit: PRNewsFoto/Autodesk, Inc.

The announcement comes less than a year after the AutoCAD design software maker struck an agreement with two investors – Eminence Capital LP and Sachem Head Capital – and announced major changes.

According to the company’s press release, Mr Bass will remain as an advisor to the company during the search for his replacement and will remain on the board of directors.

“It’s been my honour to lead Autodesk through this exciting period of growth and change. I’m very proud of everything we accomplished – from both a business and technology perspective,” Mr Bass stated.

“Our cloud and subscription business is well underway. The company’s strategy is working, the management team is strong and it’s the right time for me to step aside. Autodesk is poised for even greater success as it enters this next phase. I’m looking forward to my next adventure but will continue working with the company through my role as a board member and am committed to ensuring that the cloud and subscription business model will continue to be successful.”

Crawford W. Beveridge, the company’s non-executive chairman of the board said that Mr Bass was to be credited for the company’s transformation from a 2D design company into the worldwide leader of 3D design and engineering software.

“I’ve worked with Carl through his tenure as CEO of Autodesk, and I’ve always valued his focus and vision, as well as his rare combination of business and technical expertise. We have seen exponential growth in the last decade, both in the business and in Autodesk’s market opportunity. Carl has always been a driven and passionate change agent for the company, and under his direction Autodesk has transformed from a 2D design company into the worldwide leader of 3D design and engineering software,” said Mr Beveridge.

“With Carl at the helm, the company has led its industry’s move to subscription and Autodesk was the first to recognise and embrace the implications of cloud and mobile technology on design and production across countless industries around the world. Carl’s leadership has opened up tremendous opportunity for Autodesk. We are grateful that Carl has agreed to remain on the board of directors and serve as a special advisor to support the CEO transition and cloud and subscription business model transition.”

Autodesk is forming a CEO search committee and an interim CEO office to oversee its day to day operations.