Safra Catz is the CEO of Oracle Corporation, a leading supplier of information management software and the second largest independent software company. Born in Israel and holding United States citizenship, Catz has been with Oracle since 1999 and has played a significant role in the company's growth, including driving the acquisition of software rival PeopleSoft in 2005. As the highest-paid female CEO of any U.S. company, she has made a substantial impact on the tech industry.
Who is the CEO of Oracle?
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Safra Catz, an Israeli-American billionaire, has been a prominent figure at Oracle Corporation since joining the company in 1999. With a background in banking and law, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an executive vice president and later a board member in 2001.
Catz's leadership style is described as quiet and focused, with a strong emphasis on numbers and Excel spreadsheets.
Work History
Here is a summary of her work history:
- Oracle Corporation:
- CEO: January 2019 - Present
- Co-CEO: 2014 - 2019
- CFO: February 2005 - February 2014, February 2016 - February 2017
- President: 2004 - 2014
- Executive Vice President: 2001
- Joined in 1999
- The Walt Disney Company:
- Board of Directors: February 2018 - Present
- HSBC Holdings:
- Non-Executive Director: February 2008 - February 2015
Education History
Safra Catz's educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her career as a corporate leader. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983, focusing on finance and laying the groundwork for her expertise in business and financial management.
Catz further expanded her knowledge by obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1986, which equipped her with the necessary skills to navigate complex legal matters and corporate governance issues. This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in her success at Oracle and other organizations, enabling her to effectively handle intricate legal and financial challenges.
When did Safra Catz join Oracle?
Safra Catz joined Oracle Corporation in 1999 and has since made significant contributions to the company. She held various positions before becoming President in 2004 and CFO in 2005. Catz played a key role in Oracle's aggressive acquisition strategy, overseeing more than 130 acquisitions. In 2014, she was named co-CEO alongside Mark Hurd, following Larry Ellison's step down from the position.
After Hurd's death in 2019, Catz continued as the sole CEO. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to shift Oracle's focus towards cloud computing, directly challenging major competitors in the industry. In addition to her roles at Oracle, Catz has served on the boards of directors for various organizations, including HSBC Holdings and the Walt Disney Company. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping Oracle's strategy and growth in the technology sector.