Dev Ittycheria, President and Chief Government Officer, shared the next message with MongoDB staff this morning.
That is the toughest e-mail I’ve ever needed to write to all of you. When you have not seen the announcement, I’ve determined to retire as CEO. Efficient November 10, 2025, Chirantan “CJ” Desai will turn out to be the brand new CEO of MongoDB.
This was not a simple choice for me. The method to get so far has been deeply emotional, as I care profoundly about MongoDB and the individuals who have made the corporate what it’s at present.
This information could come as a shock, and for some, even perhaps a shock. That’s pure. Management transitions can evoke a variety of reactions. I wish to share why that is taking place, and why it’s the proper factor for MongoDB.
Each personnel change, together with probably the most senior management adjustments, entails two key selections: first, recognizing that it’s the proper time for change, and second, choosing the right individual to exchange the individual leaving. This e-mail is meant to elucidate each selections.
Earlier this 12 months, as a part of our common succession planning course of, the Board and I mentioned my long-term dedication. They requested if I’d proceed as CEO for one more 5 years. After many conversations with my household and the Board, I noticed I couldn’t make that dedication. Some CEOs see their title as their id. I don’t. My core duty is to serve within the firm’s greatest pursuits. The corporate is primed for a brand new chief. One with a contemporary perspective, grounded in expertise and abilities wanted to information MongoDB by its subsequent evolution as an organization, what we name MongoDB 3.0.
Consequently, I knowledgeable the Board that I’d commit to 2 extra years to assist discover a successor. That started the search course of for an appropriate successor. To our shock and delight, what we thought would simply take 12 to 24 months occurred a lot sooner than anybody anticipated. After partaking with a number of certified candidates, we discovered the proper successor in CJ.
CJ is uniquely certified for this position. CJ brings the uncommon growth-at-scale expertise that may assist proceed to construct MongoDB into an iconic expertise firm. At ServiceNow, he was the one govt to work immediately with three of its extremely regarded public firm CEOs and performed a pivotal position in organically scaling the corporate from simply over $1 billion to greater than $10 billion in income. Solely a handful of unbiased software program firms have ever reached that milestone. CJ helped remodel ServiceNow from a product firm to a platform firm, scaled engineering, drove go-to-market excellence, and engaged deeply with buyers. Extra lately, as President of Product and Engineering at Cloudflare, he helped gas robust progress and inventory efficiency.
CJ additionally possesses the non-public qualities wanted to succeed as CEO. He’s humble, wanting to study, and desires to attract on the views of the individuals at MongoDB and different stakeholders to tell his pondering. This mix of expertise, judgment, and character offers me full confidence that he’s well-equipped to guide MongoDB by its subsequent section of progress.
I usually consider MongoDB’s journey as a protracted and extraordinary expedition. For the previous eleven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as its information, serving to chart the course, rally the group, and climb collectively by each calm and difficult terrain. Alongside the way in which, we now have reached outstanding summits and confirmed what is feasible by relentless innovation, persistence, and teamwork. Now it’s time for a brand new information to guide the subsequent stage of the ascent and take MongoDB to even better heights. CJ is the proper chief to take MongoDB to the subsequent summit.
MongoDB is on a robust footing, with a transparent technique, an distinctive management group, a product platform that’s extra related than ever, and a enterprise that’s executing effectively. The rise of AI and the explosion of data-intensive functions play on to MongoDB’s strengths. Our expertise sits on the heart of how trendy functions are constructed and the way organizations will harness information to energy clever, adaptive programs. I’m assured MongoDB is completely positioned to seize this subsequent wave of innovation.
As for me, I’m not operating away from MongoDB or leaving to hitch one other firm as CEO. I’ll stay on the Board and work intently with CJ to make sure a seamless transition. Through the years, this position has demanded an infinite quantity of focus and vitality; consequently, there are a lot of issues I’ve missed doing alongside the way in which. I’m wanting ahead to being extra current for these moments — from easy time with my household to experiences and journey we’ve lengthy postpone. I plan to carry on to my MongoDB inventory, as I firmly consider within the individuals and the chance, figuring out that MongoDB’s greatest days are forward of it.
Sure, change might be unsettling. I’m certain you’ll have many questions on this alteration, akin to why now, why CJ is the most effective individual to guide the corporate, and what this implies for you. We’ll maintain an all-hands assembly tomorrow at 10:30AM ET to debate this transition, introduce CJ and take your questions.
That being stated, I wish to emphasize that the proper change on the proper time is how nice firms get stronger. Simply as a championship group refreshes its roster to remain aggressive, MongoDB is bringing in new management, together with different current C-suite leaders who got here earlier than CJ, to drive our subsequent section of progress. This isn’t an ending; it’s the founding of a brand new second.
I’m extremely pleased with what we now have constructed collectively and genuinely enthusiastic about what lies forward with CJ main us ahead. I additionally wish to thank every of you for making this journey so significant. Phrases can not absolutely seize my gratitude to your ardour, creativity, and perception in constructing one thing actually particular.
I’ve usually stated that I would like MongoDB to be an inflection level in individuals’s careers, a spot the place they will develop, take dangers, and do the most effective work of their lives. I can say with out hesitation that it has been precisely that for me. The abilities I’ve developed, the experiences I’ve gained, and the relationships I’ve shaped right here have formed me greater than every other chapter in my skilled life. I’ll carry them with me at all times, and can proceed to cheer for and assist MongoDB each step of the way in which.
–Dev
