- ByStartupStory | April 3, 2024
Freshworks, a leading SaaS company, is experiencing another significant departure at the executive level as Karthik Rajaram, the VP and India Head, bids farewell to join Elastic, a prominent software firm. Rajaram’s move underscores a trend of Indian executives exiting Freshworks for new opportunities, prompting reflections on the company’s evolving management landscape.
Rajaram’s transition to Elastic marks a notable shift in his career trajectory, stepping into the role of Area Vice President & General Manager, India. In an announcement on LinkedIn, he expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Area Vice President & General Manager, India at Elastic.”
The departure of Rajaram follows a series of high-profile exits from Freshworks, including Pradeep Rathinam, the former Chief Revenue Officer, who resigned just a month prior. These changes coincide with Freshworks’ strategic appointments, such as Mika Yamamoto as Chief Customer and Marketing Officer (CCMO) and Johanna Jackman as the Chief People Officer (CPO).
Girish Mathrubootham, CEO of Freshworks, emphasized the company’s commitment to meritocracy in response to inquiries about the string of departures. He stated, “We don’t think this is what it is. There is no discrimination based on nationality, religion, age, or sex. You always want to have the best person for the job, right?”
Freshworks has been undergoing a period of transformation and growth, evident in its financial performance. The company reported a consolidated revenue from operations of $596.4 million for the full year 2023, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase. This growth trajectory builds upon the $498 million in consolidated revenue from operations recorded for the full year 2022, representing a significant uptick of around 34 percent year-on-year.
As Freshworks navigates these management changes and executive transitions, its leadership remains focused on sustaining its upward trajectory in the competitive SaaS landscape. With an emphasis on securing top talent and fostering a culture of excellence, the company aims to reinforce its position as a key player in the global software market.
