Girish Mathrubootham

Girish Mathrubootham is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Freshworks, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides customer engagement solutions. He co-founded Freshworks in 2010, initially launching it as Freshdesk, and has played a pivotal role in its growth into a leading global provider of customer support and engagement software. Under his leadership, Freshworks went public on the NASDAQ in September 2021, becoming the first India-born SaaS company to do so, achieving a valuation of over $10 billion at the time of its IPO.135

Education and Early Career

Mathrubootham holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Madras. Before founding Freshworks, he served as the Vice President of Product Management at Zoho Corporation, where he gained extensive experience in product strategy and customer support systems.12

Transition to Executive Chairman

In May 2024, Mathrubootham transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman of Freshworks, allowing him to focus more on long-term product vision and innovation while Dennis Woodside took over as CEO. This change reflects his commitment to the company's future growth and product development, particularly in the context of evolving market demands and technological advancements.34

Impact and Philosophy

Girish Mathrubootham is known for his "heart-led" leadership approach, emphasizing compassion and employee empowerment. He has been instrumental in creating a company culture that prioritizes employee welfare and diversity, contributing to the wealth creation of many employees through the company's successful IPO.56 His vision for Freshworks continues to drive its mission of helping businesses enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency through innovative software solutions.