Sarah Franklin is the President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Salesforce, where she has played a pivotal role in launching Trailhead, the company's gamified online learning platform. With over 15 years of experience at Salesforce, she has held various leadership positions, including EVP and GM of Platform and AppExchange, and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the world's most influential CMOs.
Who is the CMO of Salesforce?
Sarah Franklin has had an impressive 16-year career at Salesforce, starting as the director of product platform marketing and eventually becoming the president and CMO in January 2021. Throughout her tenure at Salesforce, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of customers and revenue organization, as well as a strategic approach to product development.
Her leadership style is characterized by integrity, care, and a people-centric approach. Franklin has been recognized for her achievements in the marketing industry, including being listed as number six on Forbes' Most Influential CMO list, being named a "CMO to Watch" by Business Insider, and receiving a Brand Genius Award from Adweek.
Her most notable project at Salesforce is the launch of Trailhead, a gamified online learning platform that has empowered 19 million people worldwide to become successful technologists.
Work History
- Lattice, Chief Executive Officer: January 1, 2024 to Present
- Salesforce, President & Chairwoman Advisory: June 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, President & CMO: January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, EVP & GM Platform, Trailhead & Developers: June 1, 2019 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, EVP & GM, Trailhead & Developer Relations: January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, SVP Dev Relations & GM Trailhead: July 1, 2016 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, VP Trailhead, Developer & Admin Marketing: February 1, 2016 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, VP Admin Marketing: July 1, 2015 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, Senior Director Developer Marketing: December 1, 2013 to January 1, 2024
- Salesforce, Director, Platform Product Marketing: January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2024
- Amazon Web Services, Head of Database Product Marketing: March 1, 2013 to October 1, 2013
- Coghead, Technical Marketing Manager: January 1, 2006 to September 1, 2008
- Sterling Commerce, Senior Sales Engineer: April 1, 2003 to January 1, 2006
- Grand Central, Senior Sales Engineer: June 1, 2002 to April 1, 2003
- Peregrine Systems, Pre-sales Engineer: March 1, 2001 to June 1, 2002
- Extricity, Pre-sales Engineer: March 1, 2000 to March 1, 2001
- Pricewaterhouse, Consultant: July 1, 1998 to March 1, 2000
- Lockheed Martin (Semiconductor Technology Center), Chemical Engineer: January 1, 1996 to June 1, 1997
Education History
Sarah Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry from Virginia Tech, where she studied from 1993 to 1997. This strong educational foundation in both engineering and biochemistry has undoubtedly contributed to her ability to excel in various technical and leadership roles throughout her impressive career.
When did Sarah Franklin join Salesforce?
Joining Salesforce in 2008, Sarah Franklin has had an extensive 16-year tenure with the company. She took on the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in January 2021, showcasing her leadership qualities and deep understanding of product development and strategy. Throughout her time at Salesforce, Franklin has made significant contributions to the company's growth and market presence, including the launch of Trailhead, a gamified online learning platform.