This Week's Top Five Leadership Stories

Why is Workday's Co-Founder Returning As CEO... Again?

Workday, an enterprise AI platform for human capital management, announced on 9 February that its Co-Founder Aneel Bhusri will be returning to lead the company as CEO with immediate effect.

Current Chief Carl Eschenbach is stepping down from the position and as a member of the board after leading the company through a period of growth, expanded industry focus and operational discipline, according to Workday.

Aneel will be tasked with steering the company as it focuses on the rapidly evolving AI era. Carl will support his successor through the transition as Strategic Advisor to the CEO.

Discussing the appointment, Workday's Vice Chair and Lead Independent Director Mark Hawkins said in a company statement: "Aneel and Dave Duffield founded Workday with a belief that work could be done differently, and they built one of the most innovative companies in enterprise software.

"As we enter a defining moment shaped by AI, there is no one better than Aneel to lead this next chapter. His vision, conviction and deep connection to Workday's culture will position the company to continue to lead in a changing landscape."

Why has Standard Chartered’s CFO Quit Unexpectedly?

Standard Chartered has announced Diego De Giorgi, Group CFO, will be leaving the bank with immediate effect. 

In a company statement, Standard Chartered shared that he had “decided to pursue an external opportunity”. 

Diego will be starting a new role at asset management organisation Apollo Global Management as a partner and head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

A client of Standard Chartered, Apollo entered into a US$3bn partnership with the bank in 2025 as part of an initiative to finance infrastructure and green energy projects.

Shares in the bank dropped by 5.3% following the announcement, after nearly tripling under Diego's tenure.

In a statement shared by Apollo Global Management, Diego says: “I have long viewed Apollo as one of the most innovative firms in financial services, and this is an especially meaningful time for me to be a part of its growth journey as European companies, economies and investors demand the types of long-term solutions Apollo brings to bear.

“I am excited to leverage the breadth of my experience in working with clients, regulators, banking partners and the broader financial services sector to lead Apollo’s EMEA business in this next phase alongside an impressive group of colleagues.”

Why is Chevron Reorganising its Senior Leadership Team?

Chevron has unveiled a major restructuring of its executive leadership, confirming the retirement of three senior figures and appointing their replacements predominantly from within the organisation over the next several months.

The transition could signal a shift in direction for the US energy giant, affecting key areas including business development, supply, trading and strategic planning.

The leadership overhaul coincides with the integration of Hess Corporation, a leading global independent energy company Chevron acquired in July 2025. 

A number of executives who have been overseeing and managing this integration process will now transition into permanent positions within the company.

Frank Mount, Chevron’s President of Corporate Business Development, will depart in November following a 33-year tenure. 

Since 2023, Frank has overseen the company's global business development operations, including negotiating and finalising the Hess acquisition.

"Throughout his career, Frank has contributed significantly to the success of Chevron," says Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth. "I am grateful for his years of service and dedication."

Can New CEO Belen Garijo Reignite Sanofi's R&D Engine?

Sanofi has turned to one of Europe's most prominent pharmaceutical leaders to reset its course. Belén Garijo, currently CEO of Merck KGaA, will become CEO of the French drugmaker in April, marking the first time a woman has led the company.

The pharma company confirmed the leadership change in a company statement, saying its Board of Directors "decided not to renew the Director mandate of Paul Hudson", adding that his "last day as Chief Executive Officer will be on February 17, 2026 at the end of business".

The move ends a six-year tenure defined by sweeping restructuring and heavy investment in research and development, but also by clinical setbacks and mounting investor frustration.

Shares have fallen as investors are concerned about how Sanofi will cope when its best-selling drug Dupixent, which brings in more than a third of sales, loses patent protection in the early 2030s.

Announcing the leadership change, Chair Frédéric Oudéa signalled a sharper focus on execution. He said Belén has the "experience and profile to accelerate the pace, strengthen the quality of execution of strategy and lead the next growth cycle of the company".

Sanofi added that she would bring "increased rigour" to implementing strategy and would prioritise productivity, governance and innovation capacity in R&D.

Why Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil is Focused on Change

Philipp Navratil drinks eight cups of coffee a day. Mostly black, sometimes with a KitKat.

Considering the work ahead of Nestlé’s new CEO – who was appointed in late September 2025 with a mandate to accelerate a major turnaround following the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor, Laurent Freixe – it’s not an unreasonable amount.

Philipp, who has spent more than 20 years at the world’s largest food and beverage company, touched on his daily drinking habits in a sweeping recent interview with the New York Times. 

In it he discussed taking on the CEO role, navigating extensive employee layoffs, and how younger team members keep him on his toes. 

When Nestlé removed Laurent following an internal investigation into his “undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate”, Phillip was passed the top seat. 

“Nestlé is not used to such turbulent times,” he told the New York Times, touching both on the company’s leadership change and its declining financial performance over recent years. 

“We’re a company that should be steady and just deliver what it promises,” he said. “The most important thing is that when the CEO changes, it doesn’t have to disrupt the whole company.

“When I got into my job, I thought, ‘Let’s take what works, make sure we do more of that, and make sure we communicate really transparently what happened and what we will do’.”