Oracle Leadership Shift: Safra Catz Steps Down After a Decade

On September 22, 2025, Oracle Corporation announced a major leadership change. Safra Catz, CEO since 2014, is stepping down. She will become Executive Vice Chair of the Board. This role lets her continue guiding Oracle’s strategy.

Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia will serve as co-CEOs. Magouyrk was President of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. Sicilia led Oracle Industries. Both bring deep experience in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The change comes at a key moment for Oracle. The company has grown rapidly, with its stock rising about 85% this year. Its market value is nearing $1 trillion. Oracle’s focus on AI and cloud 

computing, including big contracts and partnerships with OpenAI, keeps it at the tech forefront.

Catz’s departure ends an era. Her work turned Oracle into a cloud powerhouse. The new leadership faces the challenge of sustaining growth and innovation in a highly competitive market.

Safra Catz’s Journey at Oracle

Safra Catz joined Oracle in 1999 and rose quickly through the ranks. She became CEO in 2014, taking over from Larry Ellison. Under her leadership, Oracle shifted from a traditional database company to a cloud computing powerhouse. Catz led major acquisitions, including NetSuite and Sun Microsystems, which broadened Oracle’s product range. Her focus on cloud infrastructure and enterprise software made Oracle a strong competitor in the tech industry.

Oracle’s Performance Under Catz

During Catz’s tenure, Oracle’s financial performance grew significantly. The company’s stock price almost doubled in 2025, showing strong investor confidence. Cloud infrastructure revenue is expected to surpass $500 billion. This growth is supported by a $300 billion, five-year deal with OpenAI. The partnership highlights Oracle’s focus on artificial intelligence and its role in driving next-generation technologies.

Leadership Change and Market Impact

Oracle did not give specific reasons for Catz’s departure. Analysts believe the company’s fast growth and complex operations required a leadership structure that could handle multiple business units. The choice of co-CEOs is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Oracle’s position in a competitive tech market.

The leadership change first caused a small dip in Oracle’s stock price. However, strong financial results and strategic plans kept investor confidence high. Analysts are optimistic about Oracle’s growth, especially in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

Future Leadership and Industry Response

Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia bring a wealth of experience to their new roles. Magouyrk, formerly president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Sicilia, who led Oracle Industries, are well-positioned to drive the company’s strategic initiatives forward. Their combined expertise in cloud computing and artificial intelligence aligns with Oracle’s focus on innovation and growth.

Industry analysts view the leadership change as a positive development for Oracle. Oracle appointed co-CEOs to improve operational efficiency and strengthen its position in the tech industry. Peers and partners have expressed confidence in the new leadership team, anticipating continued success and innovation under their guidance.

Bottom Line

Safra Catz’s departure ends an important era for Oracle. Her leadership helped make Oracle a top company in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The new co-CEOs, Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia, start a fresh chapter focused on innovation and growth. As Oracle adapts to this leadership change, the tech industry watches closely for the company’s next moves.

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Disclaimer:

The above information is based on current market data, which is subject to change, and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your research.