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MongoDB Proclaims Management Transition

Dev Ittycheria, President and Chief Govt Officer, shared the next message with MongoDB workers this morning.

That is the toughest e-mail I’ve ever needed to write to all of you. In case you have not seen the announcement, I’ve determined to retire as CEO. Efficient November 10, 2025, Chirantan “CJ” Desai will turn into the brand new CEO of MongoDB.

This was not a straightforward resolution for me. The method to get thus far has been deeply emotional, as I care profoundly about MongoDB and the individuals who have made the corporate what it’s right now.

This information might come as a shock, and for some, even perhaps a shock. That’s pure. Management transitions can evoke a spread of reactions. I need to share why that is taking place, and why it’s the fitting factor for MongoDB.

Each personnel change, together with essentially the most senior management adjustments, includes two key choices: first, recognizing that it’s the proper time for change, and second, choosing the right particular person to interchange the particular person leaving. This e-mail is meant to clarify each choices.

Earlier this yr, as a part of our common succession planning course of, the Board and I mentioned my long-term dedication. They requested if I might 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 identification. I don’t. My core duty is to serve within the firm’s finest pursuits. The corporate is primed for a brand new chief. One with a contemporary perspective, grounded in expertise and expertise wanted to information MongoDB by its subsequent evolution as an organization, what we name MongoDB 3.0.

Consequently, I knowledgeable the Board that I might commit to 2 extra years to assist discover a successor. That started the search course of for an acceptable successor. To our shock and delight, what we thought would simply take 12 to 24 months occurred a lot quicker than anybody anticipated. After participating with a number of certified candidates, we discovered the fitting successor in CJ.

CJ is uniquely certified for this function. CJ brings the uncommon growth-at-scale expertise that can assist proceed to construct MongoDB into an iconic know-how firm. At ServiceNow, he was the one government to work straight with three of its extremely regarded public firm CEOs and performed a pivotal function 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 traders. Extra just lately, as President of Product and Engineering at Cloudflare, he helped gasoline robust development and inventory efficiency.

CJ additionally possesses the private qualities wanted to succeed as CEO. He’s humble, desperate to be taught, and needs to attract on the views of the folks at MongoDB and different stakeholders to tell his considering. This mix of expertise, judgment, and character offers me full confidence that he’s well-equipped to guide MongoDB by its subsequent part of development.

I typically consider MongoDB’s journey as an extended 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 exceptional 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 fitting chief to take MongoDB to the subsequent summit.

MongoDB is on a powerful footing, with a transparent technique, an distinctive management group, a product platform that’s extra related than ever, and a enterprise that’s executing nicely. The rise of AI and the explosion of data-intensive functions play on to MongoDB’s strengths. Our know-how sits on the middle of how trendy functions are constructed and the way organizations will harness knowledge to energy clever, adaptive methods. 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. Over time, this function has demanded an unlimited quantity of focus and vitality; because of this, 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 delay. I plan to carry on to my MongoDB inventory, as I firmly consider within the folks and the chance, realizing that MongoDB’s finest days are forward of it.

Sure, change might be unsettling. I’m positive you should have many questions on this transformation, akin to why now, why CJ is one of the best particular person to guide the corporate, and what this implies for you. We are going to maintain an all-hands assembly tomorrow at 10:30AM ET to debate this transition, introduce CJ and take your questions.

That being mentioned, I need to emphasize that the fitting 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 part of development. This isn’t an ending; it’s the founding of a brand new second.

I’m extremely happy with what we now have constructed collectively and genuinely enthusiastic about what lies forward with CJ main us ahead. I additionally need 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 typically mentioned that I would like MongoDB to be an inflection level in folks’s careers, a spot the place they will develop, take dangers, and do one of the best work of their lives. I can say with out hesitation that it has been precisely that for me. The talents I’ve developed, the experiences I’ve gained, and the relationships I’ve fashioned right here have formed me greater than every other chapter in my skilled life. I’ll carry them with me all the time, and can proceed to cheer for and help MongoDB each step of the way in which.

–Dev

November 3, 2025