M Benioff

Marc Benioff is an influential American internet entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) software company. Born on September 25, 1964, in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has played a pivotal role in transforming how businesses utilize technology for customer engagement and sales management.

Early Life and Education

Benioff grew up in Hillsborough, California, and graduated from Burlingame High School in 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1986. His early interest in technology began when he was a teenager, leading him to create and sell software even before he entered college. He gained experience through internships, including one at Apple, and spent 13 years at Oracle Corporation, where he rose to the position of vice president at a young age.1

Career and Salesforce

In 1999, Benioff founded Salesforce in his San Francisco apartment, promoting the idea of "The End of Software" to advocate for web-based software solutions. Under his leadership, Salesforce has grown into one of the largest software companies globally and is recognized for pioneering the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. The company has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of cloud-based applications and services, making it a cornerstone of modern business technology.12

In addition to his role at Salesforce, Benioff is also the owner of Time magazine, having purchased it in 2018. He is actively involved in various philanthropic efforts and serves on several boards, including the World Economic Forum and USC's board of trustees.1

Leadership Philosophy

Benioff is known for his advocacy of "stakeholder capitalism," which emphasizes the importance of considering the broader impact of business decisions on customers, employees, and communities, rather than focusing solely on shareholder profits. He has been vocal about social issues, including LGBTQ rights and reproductive health, often positioning Salesforce as a socially responsible company.12

Recent Developments

As of 2024, Benioff continues to lead Salesforce, recently announcing a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence within the company, reflecting the evolving landscape of technology and business.34 His vision for Salesforce remains rooted in innovation and social responsibility, making him a prominent figure in both the tech industry and corporate philanthropy.12