Salesforce, a cloud-based software company, has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers. Founded in 1999 by Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez, the company has grown exponentially, becoming one of the largest and most successful software companies in the world. But have you ever wondered who owns Salesforce? In this article, we will delve into the ownership structure of Salesforce, exploring its major shareholders, institutional investors, and key executives.
Major Shareholders of Salesforce
Salesforce is a publicly-traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol CRM. As a result, the company’s ownership structure is dispersed among various shareholders, including individual investors, institutional investors, and key executives. Here are some of the major shareholders of Salesforce:
Insider Ownership
Salesforce’s insider ownership is relatively low, with key executives and directors holding approximately 6.5% of the company’s outstanding shares. The largest insider shareholders include:
- Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO: 4.1%
- Parker Harris, Co-Founder and CTO: 1.1%
- Mark Hawkins, President and CFO: 0.5%
- Maria Martinez, President and CEO, Salesforce Latin America: 0.3%
Institutional Investors
Institutional investors, such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, hold a significant portion of Salesforce’s outstanding shares. Some of the largest institutional investors include:
- The Vanguard Group, Inc.: 7.5%
- BlackRock, Inc.: 6.2%
- State Street Corporation: 4.1%
- FMR, LLC (Fidelity): 3.5%
- T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.: 3.2%
Key Executives and Their Roles
Salesforce’s key executives play a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and direction. Here are some of the key executives and their roles:
Executive Leadership Team
- Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO: Benioff is the founder and CEO of Salesforce. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and strategy.
- Parker Harris, Co-Founder and CTO: Harris is the co-founder and CTO of Salesforce. He is responsible for the company’s technology strategy and direction.
- Mark Hawkins, President and CFO: Hawkins is the President and CFO of Salesforce. He is responsible for the company’s financial strategy and direction.
- Maria Martinez, President and CEO, Salesforce Latin America: Martinez is the President and CEO of Salesforce Latin America. She is responsible for the company’s operations in Latin America.
Board of Directors
Salesforce’s Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the company’s strategy and direction. The Board consists of 13 members, including:
- Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO
- Parker Harris, Co-Founder and CTO
- Mark Hawkins, President and CFO
- Maria Martinez, President and CEO, Salesforce Latin America
- Alan Hassenfeld, Former Chairman and CEO, Hasbro, Inc.
- Craig Conway, Former President and CEO, PeopleSoft, Inc.
- John V. Roos, Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan
Ownership Structure and Voting Rights
Salesforce’s ownership structure is dispersed among various shareholders, with no single shareholder holding a majority of the company’s outstanding shares. The company’s voting rights are also dispersed, with each share entitling the holder to one vote.
Share Ownership Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Salesforce’s share ownership:
- Institutional investors: 73.2%
- Individual investors: 21.5%
- Insider ownership: 6.5%
- Other: 1.8%
Voting Rights
Salesforce’s voting rights are dispersed among various shareholders, with each share entitling the holder to one vote. The company’s voting rights are as follows:
- Institutional investors: 73.2%
- Individual investors: 21.5%
- Insider ownership: 6.5%
- Other: 1.8%
Conclusion
In conclusion, Salesforce’s ownership structure is dispersed among various shareholders, including individual investors, institutional investors, and key executives. The company’s insider ownership is relatively low, with key executives and directors holding approximately 6.5% of the company’s outstanding shares. Institutional investors, such as The Vanguard Group, Inc. and BlackRock, Inc., hold a significant portion of the company’s outstanding shares. Salesforce’s key executives, including Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, and Mark Hawkins, play a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and direction.
As a publicly-traded company, Salesforce is subject to the scrutiny of its shareholders and the public. The company’s ownership structure and voting rights are designed to ensure that the interests of all shareholders are represented and that the company is governed in a fair and transparent manner.
By understanding Salesforce’s ownership structure and voting rights, investors and stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the company’s governance and decision-making processes. This information can be used to make informed investment decisions and to hold the company’s executives and directors accountable for their actions.
What is the current ownership structure of Salesforce?
The current ownership structure of Salesforce is a complex mix of institutional and individual investors. The company’s largest shareholders include The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corporation, which collectively hold over 20% of the company’s outstanding shares. These institutional investors have a significant influence on the company’s operations and strategic decisions. Additionally, Salesforce’s founders, including Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez, also hold a substantial number of shares, giving them a considerable amount of control over the company.
The ownership structure of Salesforce has evolved over the years, with the company going public in 2004 and subsequently issuing new shares through various offerings. The company’s board of directors, which includes representatives from various institutional investors, also plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and direction. Furthermore, Salesforce’s ownership structure is subject to change due to various market and economic factors, such as changes in investor sentiment, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate activities. As a result, it is essential for investors and stakeholders to stay informed about the company’s ownership structure and its potential impact on the company’s operations and performance.
Who are the largest shareholders of Salesforce?
The largest shareholders of Salesforce include a mix of institutional investors and individual investors. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the largest shareholder, holding over 7% of the company’s outstanding shares. BlackRock, Inc. is the second-largest shareholder, with a stake of over 6%. State Street Corporation, FMR, LLC (Fidelity), and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. are also among the top five largest shareholders of Salesforce. These institutional investors have a significant influence on the company’s operations and strategic decisions, and their investment decisions can impact the company’s stock price and overall performance.
The largest individual shareholders of Salesforce include Marc Benioff, the company’s founder and CEO, who holds over 3% of the company’s outstanding shares. Other individual shareholders, such as Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez, also hold significant stakes in the company. These individual shareholders have a deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategy, and their investment decisions can provide valuable insights into the company’s future prospects. Additionally, the company’s executive officers and directors also hold shares in the company, which can align their interests with those of other shareholders and promote a long-term perspective on the company’s performance.
How has the ownership structure of Salesforce evolved over time?
The ownership structure of Salesforce has undergone significant changes since the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2004. At the time of the IPO, the company’s founders, including Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez, held a substantial number of shares. Over time, the company has issued new shares through various offerings, which has diluted the ownership stakes of the founders and other early investors. Additionally, the company has experienced significant growth and expansion, which has attracted new investors and led to changes in the ownership structure.
The evolution of Salesforce’s ownership structure has been influenced by various factors, including the company’s strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and investments. For example, the company’s acquisition of MuleSoft in 2018 and Tableau Software in 2019 has led to changes in the ownership structure, as new shareholders have entered the picture. Furthermore, the company’s investments in various startups and emerging technologies have also contributed to changes in the ownership structure. As a result, it is essential for investors and stakeholders to stay informed about the company’s ownership structure and its potential impact on the company’s operations and performance.
What is the role of institutional investors in Salesforce’s ownership structure?
Institutional investors play a significant role in Salesforce’s ownership structure, holding over 80% of the company’s outstanding shares. These investors, including The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corporation, have a substantial influence on the company’s operations and strategic decisions. They often engage with the company’s management and board of directors to discuss various issues, such as corporate governance, executive compensation, and sustainability. Additionally, institutional investors can also exert their influence through proxy voting, where they vote on behalf of their clients on various corporate matters.
The role of institutional investors in Salesforce’s ownership structure is multifaceted. On the one hand, they provide the company with access to capital, which is essential for its growth and expansion. On the other hand, they also bring a level of scrutiny and accountability, as they closely monitor the company’s performance and strategic decisions. Furthermore, institutional investors can also contribute to the company’s long-term success by providing a stable source of funding and supporting the company’s efforts to create long-term value for shareholders. As a result, it is essential for Salesforce to maintain a strong relationship with its institutional investors and engage with them on a regular basis to ensure that their interests are aligned with those of the company.
How do individual investors fit into Salesforce’s ownership structure?
Individual investors, including the company’s founders, executives, and employees, hold a significant number of shares in Salesforce. These investors have a deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategy, and their investment decisions can provide valuable insights into the company’s future prospects. Individual investors can also exert their influence through proxy voting, where they vote on behalf of their own shares on various corporate matters. Additionally, individual investors can also participate in the company’s shareholder meetings, where they can engage with the company’s management and board of directors on various issues.
The role of individual investors in Salesforce’s ownership structure is important, as they can provide a unique perspective on the company’s operations and strategy. Individual investors, such as Marc Benioff, the company’s founder and CEO, have a significant amount of influence over the company’s direction and strategy. Additionally, individual investors can also contribute to the company’s long-term success by providing a stable source of funding and supporting the company’s efforts to create long-term value for shareholders. As a result, it is essential for Salesforce to maintain a strong relationship with its individual investors and engage with them on a regular basis to ensure that their interests are aligned with those of the company.
What are the implications of Salesforce’s ownership structure for investors and stakeholders?
The implications of Salesforce’s ownership structure for investors and stakeholders are significant. The company’s ownership structure can impact its strategic decisions, corporate governance, and overall performance. For example, the influence of institutional investors can lead to a focus on short-term results, which may not always align with the company’s long-term goals. On the other hand, the presence of individual investors, such as the company’s founders, can provide a level of stability and continuity, as they are often committed to the company’s long-term success.
The implications of Salesforce’s ownership structure for investors and stakeholders also extend to the company’s risk profile and potential returns. For example, the company’s reliance on institutional investors can make it more vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic downturns. On the other hand, the presence of individual investors can provide a level of resilience and stability, as they are often less likely to sell their shares during times of market volatility. As a result, it is essential for investors and stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of Salesforce’s ownership structure and its potential impact on the company’s performance and returns.