The move marks a significant win for women in tech, as she joins a small number of women leading the local arms of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Melanie Silva at Google.
Salesforce has a market value of $US124 billion ($183 billion), according to the Australian Financial Review. It’s one of the most successful tech companies in the world, founded by Marc Benioff who is well-known for his philanthropy and willingness to speak out on political and social issues.
I am thrilled to welcome Pip Marlow @pipms as the new CEO of salesforce Australia New Zealand! Welcome Pip to the Ohana! Thank you @Bullefranz! https://t.co/3dLnmSJmIP
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) August 9, 2019
Marlow announced she was leaving her role as CEO of customer marketplace at Suncorp yesterday, publishing the note she shared with her team about her departure on LinkedIn.
In it, described one of the best pieces of advice she’s ever received. “Don’t wait for a burning platform. Have a burning ambition,” she wrote.
Prior to Suncorp, Marlow was with Microsoft Australia for 21 years, appointed Managing Director in 2011. She previously told Women’s Agenda that in the role she learnt how to balance delivering today and investing in the future.
“It’s a delicate balance that’s not easy to get right – you need to be clear on why you want to innovate, to set high ambitions and build cultures and organisations that empower people to think differently and try new things.”
She’s also previously told Women’s Agenda that workplaces must create environments where everyone can thrive because of who they are.
“The more we embrace diversity at work, the more people from different groups will be able to be their authentic selves. Companies need to realise that or they’ll lose out significantly. I also believe we need to fight against the stereotypes by challenging bias where we see it.”
Marlow said in a statement that she’s excited to be joining the Salesforce team, especially given its “strong values and passion for their people, customers and innovation.”
Salesforce Chairman Marc Benioff described Pip as one of the most “well respected business leaders in Australia and New Zealand”, saying he’s thrilled that she’ll be leading the next chapter of Salesforce in the region.
Marlow is also non-executive director of the Australian Rugby Union, and sits on the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Board at the University of Technology Sydney.
She has also been a judge on the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards for the past three years.
Check out a recent Q&A we ran with Marlow.