In a move that has surprised many, Salesforce co-CEO Keith Block has resigned.

Many insiders viewed Block as a potential successor to company co-founder Marc Benioff, who will continue as Chair and CEO. Despite resigning, Block will remain with the company in the role of Advisor to the CEO

“It’s been my greatest honor to lead the team with Marc that has more than quadrupled Salesforce from $4 billion of revenue when I joined in 2013 to over $17 billion last year,” said Block. “We are now a global enterprise company, focused on industries, and have an ecosystem that is the envy of the industry, and I’m so grateful to our employees, customers, and partners. After a fantastic run I am ready for my next chapter and will stay close to the company as an advisor. Being side-by-side with Marc has been amazing and I’m forever grateful for our friendship and proud of the trajectory the company is on.”

According to The Street, Benioff used the company’s fourth-quarter report to reassure investors it was business-as-usual.

“When you look at our total management team that Keith and I have built …I think it is the finest management team in the software industry and maybe any industry,” said Benioff.

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