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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Marc Benioff
| name = Marc Benioff
| birth_name   = Marc Russell Benioff
| birth_name = Marc Russell Benioff
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1964|9|25}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|9|25}}
| birth_place   = [[San Francisco]], [[California]], U.S.
| birth_place = San Francisco, California, U.S.
| nationality   = American
| nationality = American
| occupation   = Business executive, entrepreneur, philanthropist
| occupation = Business executive, entrepreneur, philanthropist
| known_for     = Co-founder, chairman and CEO of [[Salesforce]]; owner of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''
| known_for = Co-founder, chairman and CEO of [[Salesforce]]; owner of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''
| education     = [[University of Southern California]] (BS)
| education = University of Southern California (BS)
| spouse       = Lynne Krilich
| spouse = Lynne Krilich
| children     = 2
| children = 2
| awards       = ''Fortune'' World's Greatest Leaders (2016); ''The Economist'' Innovation Award
| awards = ''Fortune'' World's Greatest Leaders (2016), ''The Economist'' Innovation Award
| website       = {{URL|https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff}}
}}
}}


'''Marc Russell Benioff''' (born September 25, 1964) is an American internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business executive who co-founded the cloud computing company [[Salesforce]] and has served as its chairman and chief executive officer since its inception in 1999. Under his leadership, Salesforce grew from a startup operating out of a rented San Francisco apartment into one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world, helping to pioneer the [[software as a service]] (SaaS) model that fundamentally altered how businesses purchase and use software. In 2018, Benioff and his wife Lynne purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, adding media ownership to his portfolio of business interests.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/6102640/jane-goodall-environment-hope/ |title=The Enduring Hope of Jane Goodall |magazine=Time |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Beyond the technology sector, Benioff has attracted attention for his public advocacy on issues ranging from corporate philanthropy and stakeholder capitalism to, more recently, [[artificial intelligence]] regulation and urban public safety. His career has been marked by a willingness to engage in social and political debates, a stance that has at times generated both praise and controversy among employees, business leaders, and the broader public.
Marc Russell Benioff (born September 25, 1964) is an American internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business executive who co-founded the [[cloud computing]] company [[Salesforce]] and has served as its chairman and chief executive officer since its inception. Born and raised in [[San Francisco]], Benioff showed entrepreneurial aptitude from a young age, beginning to write and sell software while still a teenager. After a formative period at [[Oracle Corporation]] under [[Larry Ellison]], he launched Salesforce in 1999 with a vision of delivering enterprise software through the internet rather than through traditional on-premises installations — a model that would come to be known as [[Software as a service]] (SaaS). Under his leadership, Salesforce grew into one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world. Beyond his role at Salesforce, Benioff has been a prominent voice in corporate philanthropy, championing a model he calls the "1-1-1" integrated philanthropic approach, and has been involved in public advocacy on issues ranging from [[LGBTQ rights]], homelessness, and, more recently, [[artificial intelligence]] regulation. In 2018, he and his wife Lynne Benioff purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/ |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bio: Marc Benioff |url=https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff |publisher=Salesforce |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Marc Russell Benioff was born on September 25, 1964, in [[San Francisco]], [[California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/ |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He grew up in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where he developed an early interest in computers and technology. As a teenager, Benioff demonstrated entrepreneurial aptitude, reportedly writing and selling software programs while still in high school. His early exposure to the technology culture of the Bay Area—then on the cusp of the personal computer revolution—shaped his ambitions and career trajectory.
Marc Russell Benioff was born on September 25, 1964, in [[San Francisco]], California. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, an environment that would later prove central to his career in the technology industry.<ref name="forbes">{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/ |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Benioff has spoken publicly about the influence of his upbringing in San Francisco on his worldview and business philosophy. The city would later become central to his professional identity, with Salesforce establishing its global headquarters there and Benioff involving himself in local civic matters. His family background included connections to the entertainment and business worlds; the Benioff surname has been associated with other notable figures in American media and culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=How These Famous Benioffs Are Related |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-these-famous-benioffs-are-related-2015-4 |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Benioff displayed an early interest in computers and software development. As a teenager, he began programming and selling his own software, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive that would later define his career. At the age of 15, he created a program called "How to Juggle," which he sold for $75, marking one of his first commercial ventures in software. He continued developing and selling software throughout his high school years, earning enough to help fund his college education.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company |url=https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html |publisher=Salesforce |date=2013-03 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Benioff's family has roots in the San Francisco Bay Area. His connection to the city has remained a defining feature of both his personal and professional life. He has frequently spoken publicly about his deep ties to San Francisco, and Salesforce's global headquarters — housed in [[Salesforce Tower]], the tallest building in the city — reflects that attachment. The Benioff family name has a broader presence as well; the family's connections have been documented in media coverage over the years.<ref>{{cite web |title=How These Famous Benioffs Are Related |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-these-famous-benioffs-are-related-2015-4 |publisher=Business Insider |date=2015-04 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Benioff attended the [[University of Southern California]] (USC), where he earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bio - Marc Benioff |url=https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff |publisher=Salesforce |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His time at USC coincided with a period of rapid growth in the technology industry during the mid-1980s. During his college years, Benioff continued to develop his technical and business skills, which he would later apply during a career at [[Oracle Corporation]] before founding Salesforce. The university education provided him with a foundation in business and technology that informed his approach to enterprise software and cloud computing.
Benioff attended the [[University of Southern California]] (USC), where he earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree. His time at USC provided him with a foundation in business and technology that he would apply in his subsequent career. While still a college student, Benioff gained early industry experience through internships, including a notable stint at [[Apple Inc.|Apple Computer]], where he worked as a summer intern in the [[Macintosh]] division. This exposure to one of the most innovative technology companies of the era helped shape his understanding of product development and corporate culture.<ref name="salesforce-bio">{{cite web |title=Bio: Marc Benioff |url=https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff |publisher=Salesforce |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Oracle Corporation ===
=== Oracle Corporation ===


After graduating from USC, Benioff joined [[Oracle Corporation]], then one of the fastest-growing enterprise software companies in the world, led by [[Larry Ellison]]. He spent approximately thirteen years at Oracle, rising through the ranks to become a vice president by the age of 26. During his tenure at Oracle, Benioff gained deep experience in enterprise software sales, marketing, and product development. He has cited Ellison as a significant mentor who shaped his approach to business leadership and competitive strategy.
After graduating from USC, Benioff joined [[Oracle Corporation]], the database and enterprise software company led by [[Larry Ellison]]. He spent thirteen years at Oracle, rising through the ranks to become one of the company's youngest vice presidents. During his tenure, Benioff gained extensive experience in enterprise software sales, marketing, and product development. His relationship with Ellison, who became a mentor and early investor in Benioff's subsequent ventures, proved instrumental in shaping his approach to business leadership and corporate strategy.<ref name="salesforce-bio" />


Benioff's years at Oracle exposed him to the complexities and limitations of traditional on-premises enterprise software—systems that required companies to purchase expensive licenses, install software on their own servers, and manage ongoing maintenance and upgrades. These experiences planted the seeds for what would become his central business insight: that enterprise software could be delivered more efficiently and affordably through the internet, as a service rather than a product.
At Oracle, Benioff developed a deep understanding of the enterprise software market, including its distribution models, customer relationship dynamics, and the challenges associated with traditional on-premises software deployment. These insights would later inform his vision for a fundamentally different approach to delivering software to businesses.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company |url=https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html |publisher=Salesforce |date=2013-03 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Founding of Salesforce ===
=== Founding of Salesforce ===


In March 1999, Benioff co-founded Salesforce with Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Turn a Simple Idea Into a High-Growth Company |url=https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html |publisher=Salesforce |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The company launched with the concept of delivering [[customer relationship management]] (CRM) software via the internet—an approach that was novel at the time and would come to be known as [[cloud computing]] or [[software as a service]] (SaaS). Salesforce began operations in a rented apartment in San Francisco, reflecting the lean startup culture that Benioff embraced.
In March 1999, Benioff co-founded Salesforce from a rented apartment in San Francisco. The company was built around the idea of delivering [[customer relationship management]] (CRM) software entirely over the internet, eliminating the need for customers to install and maintain complex software on their own servers. This approach, which Benioff branded with the slogan "No Software," represented a departure from the prevailing enterprise software model and anticipated the broader shift to cloud computing that would reshape the technology industry over the following decades.<ref name="salesforce-blog">{{cite web |title=How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company |url=https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html |publisher=Salesforce |date=2013-03 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The founding thesis of Salesforce was that businesses should not need to install and maintain complex software on their own hardware. Instead, applications could be hosted on remote servers and accessed through a web browser, dramatically reducing costs and complexity for customers. This model, which Benioff championed under the slogan "The End of Software," challenged the established business practices of incumbent enterprise software companies such as Oracle, [[SAP SE|SAP]], and [[Siebel Systems]].
The founding of Salesforce was supported by initial investments from Larry Ellison and other backers. Benioff's concept was considered unconventional at the time, as most enterprise software companies relied on selling expensive perpetual licenses and deploying software on customers' premises. Salesforce instead offered its CRM product on a subscription basis, accessible through a web browser. This [[Software as a service]] (SaaS) model reduced upfront costs for customers and created a recurring revenue stream for the company.<ref name="salesforce-blog" />


Salesforce's early marketing was notable for its aggressive and unconventional tactics. Benioff organized protests at competitor conferences and leveraged media attention to position Salesforce as a disruptive upstart challenging the status quo. These strategies drew attention to the company and helped establish its brand identity as an innovator in enterprise technology.
The company grew rapidly in its first years, attracting customers who were drawn to the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the subscription model. Salesforce held its [[initial public offering]] (IPO) in June 2004 on the [[New York Stock Exchange]], a milestone that validated the SaaS business model and marked the company's emergence as a major force in enterprise technology.<ref name="forbes" />


=== Growth and Public Offering ===
=== Growth and Expansion of Salesforce ===


Salesforce grew rapidly during the early 2000s, benefiting from increasing internet adoption among businesses and a growing recognition that the SaaS model offered tangible advantages in terms of cost, scalability, and ease of deployment. The company went public in June 2004, listing on the [[New York Stock Exchange]]. The initial public offering was a notable event in the technology sector, as it validated the commercial viability of the cloud computing model at a time when many established technology companies remained skeptical.
Under Benioff's leadership as chairman and CEO, Salesforce expanded well beyond its original CRM offering. The company developed and acquired a wide range of cloud-based enterprise applications and platforms, including tools for marketing automation, analytics, application development, and collaboration. Major acquisitions included the purchases of ExactTarget, MuleSoft, Tableau, and Slack Technologies, which significantly broadened Salesforce's product portfolio and market reach.<ref name="salesforce-bio" />


Under Benioff's leadership as CEO, Salesforce expanded beyond its original CRM product to become a broad platform for business applications. The company developed and acquired a range of tools for sales, marketing, customer service, analytics, and application development. Key strategic moves included the creation of the Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com), which allowed third-party developers to build and distribute applications on top of Salesforce's infrastructure, and the AppExchange marketplace, which facilitated the distribution of these applications.
Benioff became known for his approach to corporate culture and leadership, which emphasized what he called "Ohana" — a Hawaiian term meaning family — to describe the interconnected community of employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders. He also pioneered the "1-1-1 model" of integrated corporate philanthropy, in which Salesforce pledged 1% of its equity, 1% of its product, and 1% of employees' time to charitable causes. This model was subsequently adopted by hundreds of other companies through the Pledge 1% movement.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Salesforce pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, purchasing companies such as [[ExactTarget]], [[MuleSoft]], [[Tableau Software]], and [[Slack Technologies]]. These acquisitions expanded Salesforce's capabilities and product portfolio, positioning the company as a comprehensive enterprise platform rather than solely a CRM provider.
Salesforce became one of the first major enterprise software companies to achieve significant scale purely through cloud-based delivery. By the 2020s, it had grown into one of the largest software companies in the world by revenue, with its platform serving hundreds of thousands of organizations globally. Benioff's leadership during this period of growth cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent figures in the technology industry.<ref name="forbes" />


=== Corporate Philosophy and the 1-1-1 Model ===
=== Artificial Intelligence and Technology Advocacy ===


Early in Salesforce's history, Benioff established what became known as the 1-1-1 model of corporate philanthropy, which committed the company to donating 1% of its equity, 1% of its product, and 1% of its employees' time to charitable causes. This model was integrated into Salesforce's corporate structure from its founding and became a signature element of the company's identity. The 1-1-1 model was subsequently adopted by other companies and formalized through the Pledge 1% movement, which encourages startups and established businesses to allocate resources to philanthropic efforts.
In the mid-2020s, Benioff became an increasingly vocal advocate for the regulation of [[artificial intelligence]]. At the [[World Economic Forum]] meeting in [[Davos]], Switzerland, in January 2026, Benioff called for regulatory action on AI, arguing that certain AI models had become "suicide coaches" in reference to documented cases in which individuals' deaths were linked to interactions with AI systems. He framed the issue in stark terms, asking, "What's more important to us, growth or our kids?"<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-20 |title=Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-20 |title=Billionaire Marc Benioff challenges the AI sector: 'What's more important to us, growth or our kids?' |url=https://fortune.com/2026/01/20/billionaire-marc-benioff-section-230-ai-whats-more-important-growth-or-kids/ |work=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Benioff has been an outspoken advocate for what he has described as "stakeholder capitalism"—the idea that corporations have responsibilities not only to shareholders but also to employees, customers, communities, and the broader society. This philosophy has been reflected in Salesforce's public stances on social issues, including [[LGBTQ rights]], equal pay, homelessness, and environmental sustainability.
Benioff's advocacy on AI regulation represented a notable stance from a technology CEO whose own company was actively developing and deploying AI products. Salesforce had introduced its own AI platform, known as Einstein, and later developed AI agents as part of its product line. His willingness to call for regulation of the broader AI industry while simultaneously integrating AI into Salesforce's offerings drew attention from media and industry observers.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-20 |title=Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Acquisition of Time Magazine ===
=== Acquisition of Time Magazine ===


In September 2018, Benioff and his wife Lynne purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine from [[Meredith Corporation]] for $190 million. The acquisition was made in a personal capacity rather than through Salesforce. Benioff stated that the purchase was motivated by a desire to support quality journalism and that he and his wife would serve as stewards of the publication's legacy.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/6102640/jane-goodall-environment-hope/ |title=The Enduring Hope of Jane Goodall |magazine=Time |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The ownership of ''Time'' placed Benioff among a group of technology billionaires who have acquired major media properties, a trend that has raised broader questions about the intersection of technology wealth and journalism.
In September 2018, Marc and Lynne Benioff purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine from [[Meredith Corporation]] for $190 million. The acquisition was made in a personal capacity, separate from Salesforce. Benioff has served as co-chair and owner of the publication, which continues to operate as one of the most recognized news magazines in the world. The purchase was part of a broader trend of technology billionaires acquiring legacy media properties, following [[Jeff Bezos]]'s purchase of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' in 2013.<ref name="forbes" />


=== Advocacy on Artificial Intelligence Regulation ===
=== Controversies and Employee Relations ===


In January 2026, Benioff made public statements calling for regulation of [[artificial intelligence]], arguing that AI models had in some documented cases functioned as what he termed "suicide coaches." Speaking at the [[World Economic Forum]] meeting in [[Davos]], Switzerland, Benioff challenged the AI sector with the question, "What's more important to us, growth or our kids?"<ref>{{cite news |title=Billionaire Marc Benioff challenges the AI sector: 'What's more important to us, growth or our kids?' |url=https://fortune.com/2026/01/20/billionaire-marc-benioff-section-230-ai-whats-more-important-growth-or-kids/ |work=Fortune |date=January 20, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He called for accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies, framing the issue in terms of public safety and the protection of minors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html |work=CNBC |date=January 20, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In February 2026, Benioff faced significant internal backlash after making remarks about [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE) during a company event. According to multiple reports, Benioff joked at an employee gathering that ICE was monitoring international employees in attendance who had traveled to the United States. The comments provoked a sharp reaction within Salesforce, with one employee describing the internal response as employees going "absolutely apeshit" on internal Slack channels.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-11 |title=Salesforce workers outraged after CEO makes joke about ICE watching them |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/salesforce-marc-benioff-ice-joke-employees |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff 'Jokes' ICE Is Watching Salesforce Employees Who Traveled to the U.S. |url=https://www.404media.co/marc-benioff-jokes-ice-is-watching-salesforce-employees-who-traveled-to-the-u-s/ |publisher=404 Media |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


These remarks positioned Benioff among a growing number of technology executives who have called for regulatory frameworks around AI, though critics have noted the tension between such advocacy and the technology industry's own rapid development and commercialization of AI products, including Salesforce's own AI features.
Over 1,400 Salesforce employees subsequently signed an open letter demanding that Benioff cease business operations with ICE. The letter reflected both anger at the specific comments and broader concerns about the company's contractual relationships with the immigration enforcement agency.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-20 |title=Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know. |url=https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/02/20/salesforce-employees-respond-to-ceo-marc-benioff-s-insensitive-ice-comment-here-s-what-hr-needs-to-know |work=HR Brew |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Salesforce Workers Circulate Open Letter Urging CEO Marc Benioff to Denounce ICE |url=https://www.wired.com/story/letter-salesforce-employees-sent-after-marc-benioffs-ice-comments/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Controversies ===
Salesforce co-founder and chief technology officer Parker Harris publicly addressed the controversy, stating that Benioff's jokes were "not OK."<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02 |title=A top Salesforce executive says Benioff's ICE jokes were 'not OK' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-cofounder-criticizes-benioff-ice-jokes-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The incident was not the first time Salesforce's relationship with ICE had generated internal controversy; employees had previously raised concerns about contracts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE in earlier years.


==== Public Safety Remarks and San Francisco ====
In October 2025, Benioff made headlines when he suggested that President [[Donald Trump]] should send [[National Guard]] troops to San Francisco to address issues in the city. The comment drew attention because Benioff had previously been associated with more progressive political stances, and the suggestion marked what some observers described as an apparent shift in his public political positioning.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-10 |title=Marc Benioff Says Trump Should Send Guard Troops to San Francisco |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/us/marc-benioff-san-francisco-guard.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In October 2025, Benioff made headlines when he suggested that [[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]] should send [[National Guard]] troops to San Francisco to address public safety concerns. The remarks drew attention given Benioff's long history as a prominent civic figure in the city and his previous support for progressive causes.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 10, 2025 |title=Marc Benioff Says Trump Should Send Guard Troops to San Francisco |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/us/marc-benioff-san-francisco-guard.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
== Personal Life ==


==== ICE Comments and Employee Backlash ====
Marc Benioff is married to Lynne Krilich, and the couple has two children.<ref name="forbes" /> The Benioffs reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.


In February 2026, Benioff generated significant internal and external controversy when he made comments during a company event that were interpreted as joking that [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE) was monitoring Salesforce employees who had traveled to the United States. The remarks provoked a strong backlash among employees, with internal Slack channels reportedly flooding with criticism.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc Benioff 'Jokes' ICE Is Watching Salesforce Employees Who Traveled to the U.S. |url=https://www.404media.co/marc-benioff-jokes-ice-is-watching-salesforce-employees-who-traveled-to-the-u-s/ |work=404 Media |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Benioff has been involved in extensive philanthropic activity. He and his wife have donated to hospitals, schools, and community organizations. Among their most prominent contributions are donations to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, which bear the family name. Their philanthropic efforts extend to environmental conservation and education initiatives as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


More than 1,400 Salesforce employees signed an open letter demanding that Benioff cease business operations with ICE. The letter came amid a broader debate within the technology industry about contracts with immigration enforcement agencies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salesforce Workers Circulate Open Letter Urging CEO Marc Benioff to Denounce ICE |url=https://www.wired.com/story/letter-salesforce-employees-sent-after-marc-benioffs-ice-comments/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know. |url=https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/02/20/salesforce-employees-respond-to-ceo-marc-benioff-s-insensitive-ice-comment-here-s-what-hr-needs-to-know |work=HR Brew |date=February 20, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Salesforce co-founder and chief technology officer Parker Harris publicly addressed the incident, stating that Benioff's jokes were "not OK."<ref>{{cite news |title=A top Salesforce executive says Benioff's ICE jokes were 'not OK' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-cofounder-criticizes-benioff-ice-jokes-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Benioff has spoken publicly about the influence of mindfulness and meditation on his leadership style, citing time spent in Hawaii and his interest in Eastern spiritual practices as important personal influences. His adoption of the "Ohana" concept for Salesforce's corporate culture reflects these personal values.


The controversy reflected ongoing tensions within Salesforce and the broader technology industry regarding government contracts, employee activism, and the responsibilities of corporate leaders in politically charged environments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salesforce workers outraged after CEO makes joke about ICE watching them |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/salesforce-marc-benioff-ice-joke-employees |work=The Guardian |date=February 11, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
He has also been a prominent public advocate on social and political issues in San Francisco. In addition to his support for LGBTQ rights — including opposition to discriminatory legislation in multiple U.S. states — Benioff has advocated for addressing homelessness in San Francisco, supporting a local business tax measure aimed at funding homeless services.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Recognition ==


Marc Benioff is married to Lynne Krilich, and the couple have two children.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bio - Marc Benioff |url=https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff |publisher=Salesforce |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The family resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Benioff and his wife have been active in philanthropic activities, both through Salesforce's corporate giving programs and through personal donations. Their purchase of ''Time'' magazine in 2018 was made as a joint personal investment.
Benioff has received numerous awards and recognitions for his business leadership and philanthropic contributions. In 2016, ''Fortune'' magazine named him among its "World's Greatest Leaders," a list recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields.<ref>{{cite web |title=World's Greatest Leaders 2016 |url=http://fortune.com/2016/03/24/worlds-greatest-leaders-2016-intro/ |work=Fortune |date=2016-03-24 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Benioff has publicly discussed the influence of mindfulness, meditation, and Eastern philosophy on his personal and professional life. He has credited time spent in [[Hawaii]] and exposure to Hawaiian culture with shaping his approach to business leadership and philanthropy.
In 2014, ''Fortune'' readers selected Benioff as "Businessperson of the Year" in the publication's reader's choice poll, reflecting his prominence among the business community and the public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Businessperson of the Year: Readers' Choice |url=http://fortune.com/2014/11/12/businessperson-year-readers-choice/ |work=Fortune |date=2014-11-12 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In addition to his work at Salesforce, Benioff has authored and co-authored several books on business, technology, and corporate responsibility, including ''Behind the Cloud'' (2009), which detailed the founding and growth of Salesforce, and ''Trailblazer'' (2019), which outlined his views on stakeholder capitalism and corporate values.<ref>{{cite web |title=Behind the Cloud |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XX5QJ7hfDW8C&pg=PR18 |publisher=Google Books |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
''The Economist'' awarded Benioff an Innovation Award in its technology category, recognizing his role in pioneering the SaaS delivery model for enterprise software and his contributions to the broader technology industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Innovation Awards: Our annual prizes recognise successful innovators in eight categories |url=https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight |work=The Economist |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
''Barron's'' magazine has featured Benioff in its coverage of prominent business leaders and technology executives, highlighting his role in shaping the cloud computing industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff profile |url=http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577283662192414888 |work=Barron's |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Benioff has received numerous accolades over the course of his career. In 2016, ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' named him among its "World's Greatest Leaders" list, recognizing his influence in both the technology industry and the broader business world.<ref>{{cite web |title=World's Greatest Leaders 2016 |url=http://fortune.com/2016/03/24/worlds-greatest-leaders-2016-intro/ |publisher=Fortune |date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2014, he was selected as ''Fortune'''s "Businessperson of the Year" by reader vote.<ref>{{cite web |title=Businessperson of the Year: Reader's Choice |url=http://fortune.com/2014/11/12/businessperson-year-readers-choice/ |publisher=Fortune |date=November 12, 2014 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2009, the [[World Economic Forum]] named Benioff a Young Global Leader, a distinction he shared with other prominent technology figures including [[Mark Zuckerberg]], [[Chad Hurley]], and [[Kevin Rose]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2009-02-25 |title=World Economic Forum Announces New Batch Of Young Global Leaders: Mark Zuckerberg, Chad Hurley, Kevin Rose And More |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/25/world-economic-forum-announces-new-batch-of-young-global-leaders-mark-zuckerberg-chad-hurley-kevin-rose-and-more/ |work=TechCrunch |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
''[[The Economist]]'' recognized Benioff with an Innovation Award, citing his contributions to the development of cloud computing and the SaaS business model.<ref>{{cite web |title=Innovation Awards |url=https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight |publisher=The Economist |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''[[Barron's (newspaper)|Barron's]]'' has also featured Benioff in its coverage of technology industry leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barron's Feature |url=http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577283662192414888 |publisher=Barron's |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
In 2009, the [[World Economic Forum]] named Benioff a [[Young Global Leader]], placing him among a cohort that included other technology executives such as [[Mark Zuckerberg]] and [[Chad Hurley]].<ref>{{cite news |title=World Economic Forum Announces New Batch Of Young Global Leaders: Mark Zuckerberg, Chad Hurley, Kevin Rose And More |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/25/world-economic-forum-announces-new-batch-of-young-global-leaders-mark-zuckerberg-chad-hurley-kevin-rose-and-more/ |work=TechCrunch |date=February 25, 2009 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Benioff's role in establishing the 1-1-1 philanthropic model has been the subject of extensive media coverage and has been cited as an influential framework for corporate social responsibility in the technology sector and beyond.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Benioff's career is most closely associated with the mainstreaming of [[cloud computing]] and the SaaS model in enterprise software. Salesforce, under his leadership, demonstrated that business software could be delivered over the internet on a subscription basis, challenging the dominance of traditional on-premises software vendors. The success of this model influenced an entire generation of technology companies and contributed to a fundamental shift in how enterprise software is developed, distributed, and consumed.
Marc Benioff's influence on the technology industry is most clearly reflected in the widespread adoption of the [[Software as a service]] (SaaS) model that Salesforce helped establish. When Benioff founded the company in 1999, the concept of delivering enterprise software through the internet on a subscription basis was far from mainstream. By the 2020s, cloud-based software delivery had become the dominant model in enterprise technology, and Salesforce's early success was instrumental in demonstrating the viability of this approach to both customers and investors.<ref name="salesforce-blog" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Innovation Awards: Our annual prizes recognise successful innovators in eight categories |url=https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight |work=The Economist |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The 1-1-1 model of integrated corporate philanthropy, which Benioff established at Salesforce's founding, has been adopted by hundreds of other companies through the Pledge 1% initiative. This approach embedded philanthropy into the corporate structure from the outset, rather than treating it as an afterthought, and has been studied as a model for how companies can incorporate social responsibility into their business strategies.
The 1-1-1 philanthropic model that Benioff introduced at Salesforce has had a measurable impact beyond the company itself. The Pledge 1% initiative, which grew out of Salesforce's model, has been adopted by thousands of companies worldwide, creating a structured framework for corporate giving that integrates philanthropy into business operations from a company's earliest stages.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Benioff's public engagement on social and political issues—from LGBTQ rights and equal pay to homelessness, AI regulation, and public safety—has made him one of the more politically visible CEOs in the American technology industry. This visibility has generated both support and criticism, reflecting broader debates about the role of corporate leaders in public policy and social advocacy. His ownership of ''Time'' magazine has further amplified his position at the intersection of technology, media, and public discourse.
Benioff's approach to stakeholder capitalism — the idea that corporations have responsibilities not only to shareholders but also to employees, communities, and society at large — has been a recurring theme in his public statements and writings, including his book ''Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change.'' This positioning has at times placed him at the center of debates about the role of CEOs in public advocacy and whether corporate leaders should take stances on social and political issues. His record has been both praised and criticized: supporters have pointed to his philanthropic commitments and advocacy for equality, while critics have questioned whether his public statements have always been consistent with Salesforce's business practices, particularly regarding government contracts.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-20 |title=Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know. |url=https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/02/20/salesforce-employees-respond-to-ceo-marc-benioff-s-insensitive-ice-comment-here-s-what-hr-needs-to-know |work=HR Brew |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |work=WIRED |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


As covered by ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'', Benioff's articulation of a business philosophy rooted in stakeholder capitalism and philanthropic commitment has shaped conversations about the responsibilities of wealth and corporate power in the 21st-century technology economy.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff |url=https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/ |publisher=Wired |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
As a figure who has operated at the intersection of technology, media, philanthropy, and public policy, Benioff's career reflects the expanding influence of technology executives in American business and society. His ownership of ''Time'' magazine, his advocacy at the World Economic Forum, and his commentary on issues from AI regulation to urban policy in San Francisco illustrate the broad reach of his public role beyond the management of a single corporation.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:Salesforce people]]
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Latest revision as of 01:46, 24 February 2026


Marc Benioff
BornMarc Russell Benioff
25 9, 1964
BirthplaceSan Francisco, California, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusiness executive, entrepreneur, philanthropist
Known forCo-founder, chairman and CEO of Salesforce; owner of Time
EducationUniversity of Southern California (BS)
Spouse(s)Lynne Krilich
Children2
AwardsFortune World's Greatest Leaders (2016), The Economist Innovation Award
Website[https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff Official site]

Marc Russell Benioff (born September 25, 1964) is an American internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business executive who co-founded the cloud computing company Salesforce and has served as its chairman and chief executive officer since its inception. Born and raised in San Francisco, Benioff showed entrepreneurial aptitude from a young age, beginning to write and sell software while still a teenager. After a formative period at Oracle Corporation under Larry Ellison, he launched Salesforce in 1999 with a vision of delivering enterprise software through the internet rather than through traditional on-premises installations — a model that would come to be known as Software as a service (SaaS). Under his leadership, Salesforce grew into one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world. Beyond his role at Salesforce, Benioff has been a prominent voice in corporate philanthropy, championing a model he calls the "1-1-1" integrated philanthropic approach, and has been involved in public advocacy on issues ranging from LGBTQ rights, homelessness, and, more recently, artificial intelligence regulation. In 2018, he and his wife Lynne Benioff purchased Time magazine.[1][2]

Early Life

Marc Russell Benioff was born on September 25, 1964, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, an environment that would later prove central to his career in the technology industry.[3]

Benioff displayed an early interest in computers and software development. As a teenager, he began programming and selling his own software, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive that would later define his career. At the age of 15, he created a program called "How to Juggle," which he sold for $75, marking one of his first commercial ventures in software. He continued developing and selling software throughout his high school years, earning enough to help fund his college education.[4]

Benioff's family has roots in the San Francisco Bay Area. His connection to the city has remained a defining feature of both his personal and professional life. He has frequently spoken publicly about his deep ties to San Francisco, and Salesforce's global headquarters — housed in Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in the city — reflects that attachment. The Benioff family name has a broader presence as well; the family's connections have been documented in media coverage over the years.[5]

Education

Benioff attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His time at USC provided him with a foundation in business and technology that he would apply in his subsequent career. While still a college student, Benioff gained early industry experience through internships, including a notable stint at Apple Computer, where he worked as a summer intern in the Macintosh division. This exposure to one of the most innovative technology companies of the era helped shape his understanding of product development and corporate culture.[6]

Career

Oracle Corporation

After graduating from USC, Benioff joined Oracle Corporation, the database and enterprise software company led by Larry Ellison. He spent thirteen years at Oracle, rising through the ranks to become one of the company's youngest vice presidents. During his tenure, Benioff gained extensive experience in enterprise software sales, marketing, and product development. His relationship with Ellison, who became a mentor and early investor in Benioff's subsequent ventures, proved instrumental in shaping his approach to business leadership and corporate strategy.[6]

At Oracle, Benioff developed a deep understanding of the enterprise software market, including its distribution models, customer relationship dynamics, and the challenges associated with traditional on-premises software deployment. These insights would later inform his vision for a fundamentally different approach to delivering software to businesses.[7]

Founding of Salesforce

In March 1999, Benioff co-founded Salesforce from a rented apartment in San Francisco. The company was built around the idea of delivering customer relationship management (CRM) software entirely over the internet, eliminating the need for customers to install and maintain complex software on their own servers. This approach, which Benioff branded with the slogan "No Software," represented a departure from the prevailing enterprise software model and anticipated the broader shift to cloud computing that would reshape the technology industry over the following decades.[8]

The founding of Salesforce was supported by initial investments from Larry Ellison and other backers. Benioff's concept was considered unconventional at the time, as most enterprise software companies relied on selling expensive perpetual licenses and deploying software on customers' premises. Salesforce instead offered its CRM product on a subscription basis, accessible through a web browser. This Software as a service (SaaS) model reduced upfront costs for customers and created a recurring revenue stream for the company.[8]

The company grew rapidly in its first years, attracting customers who were drawn to the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the subscription model. Salesforce held its initial public offering (IPO) in June 2004 on the New York Stock Exchange, a milestone that validated the SaaS business model and marked the company's emergence as a major force in enterprise technology.[3]

Growth and Expansion of Salesforce

Under Benioff's leadership as chairman and CEO, Salesforce expanded well beyond its original CRM offering. The company developed and acquired a wide range of cloud-based enterprise applications and platforms, including tools for marketing automation, analytics, application development, and collaboration. Major acquisitions included the purchases of ExactTarget, MuleSoft, Tableau, and Slack Technologies, which significantly broadened Salesforce's product portfolio and market reach.[6]

Benioff became known for his approach to corporate culture and leadership, which emphasized what he called "Ohana" — a Hawaiian term meaning family — to describe the interconnected community of employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders. He also pioneered the "1-1-1 model" of integrated corporate philanthropy, in which Salesforce pledged 1% of its equity, 1% of its product, and 1% of employees' time to charitable causes. This model was subsequently adopted by hundreds of other companies through the Pledge 1% movement.[9]

Salesforce became one of the first major enterprise software companies to achieve significant scale purely through cloud-based delivery. By the 2020s, it had grown into one of the largest software companies in the world by revenue, with its platform serving hundreds of thousands of organizations globally. Benioff's leadership during this period of growth cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent figures in the technology industry.[3]

Artificial Intelligence and Technology Advocacy

In the mid-2020s, Benioff became an increasingly vocal advocate for the regulation of artificial intelligence. At the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2026, Benioff called for regulatory action on AI, arguing that certain AI models had become "suicide coaches" in reference to documented cases in which individuals' deaths were linked to interactions with AI systems. He framed the issue in stark terms, asking, "What's more important to us, growth or our kids?"[10][11]

Benioff's advocacy on AI regulation represented a notable stance from a technology CEO whose own company was actively developing and deploying AI products. Salesforce had introduced its own AI platform, known as Einstein, and later developed AI agents as part of its product line. His willingness to call for regulation of the broader AI industry while simultaneously integrating AI into Salesforce's offerings drew attention from media and industry observers.[12]

Acquisition of Time Magazine

In September 2018, Marc and Lynne Benioff purchased Time magazine from Meredith Corporation for $190 million. The acquisition was made in a personal capacity, separate from Salesforce. Benioff has served as co-chair and owner of the publication, which continues to operate as one of the most recognized news magazines in the world. The purchase was part of a broader trend of technology billionaires acquiring legacy media properties, following Jeff Bezos's purchase of The Washington Post in 2013.[3]

Controversies and Employee Relations

In February 2026, Benioff faced significant internal backlash after making remarks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a company event. According to multiple reports, Benioff joked at an employee gathering that ICE was monitoring international employees in attendance who had traveled to the United States. The comments provoked a sharp reaction within Salesforce, with one employee describing the internal response as employees going "absolutely apeshit" on internal Slack channels.[13][14]

Over 1,400 Salesforce employees subsequently signed an open letter demanding that Benioff cease business operations with ICE. The letter reflected both anger at the specific comments and broader concerns about the company's contractual relationships with the immigration enforcement agency.[15][16]

Salesforce co-founder and chief technology officer Parker Harris publicly addressed the controversy, stating that Benioff's jokes were "not OK."[17] The incident was not the first time Salesforce's relationship with ICE had generated internal controversy; employees had previously raised concerns about contracts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE in earlier years.

In October 2025, Benioff made headlines when he suggested that President Donald Trump should send National Guard troops to San Francisco to address issues in the city. The comment drew attention because Benioff had previously been associated with more progressive political stances, and the suggestion marked what some observers described as an apparent shift in his public political positioning.[18]

Personal Life

Marc Benioff is married to Lynne Krilich, and the couple has two children.[3] The Benioffs reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Benioff has been involved in extensive philanthropic activity. He and his wife have donated to hospitals, schools, and community organizations. Among their most prominent contributions are donations to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, which bear the family name. Their philanthropic efforts extend to environmental conservation and education initiatives as well.[19]

Benioff has spoken publicly about the influence of mindfulness and meditation on his leadership style, citing time spent in Hawaii and his interest in Eastern spiritual practices as important personal influences. His adoption of the "Ohana" concept for Salesforce's corporate culture reflects these personal values.

He has also been a prominent public advocate on social and political issues in San Francisco. In addition to his support for LGBTQ rights — including opposition to discriminatory legislation in multiple U.S. states — Benioff has advocated for addressing homelessness in San Francisco, supporting a local business tax measure aimed at funding homeless services.[20]

Recognition

Benioff has received numerous awards and recognitions for his business leadership and philanthropic contributions. In 2016, Fortune magazine named him among its "World's Greatest Leaders," a list recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields.[21]

In 2014, Fortune readers selected Benioff as "Businessperson of the Year" in the publication's reader's choice poll, reflecting his prominence among the business community and the public.[22]

The Economist awarded Benioff an Innovation Award in its technology category, recognizing his role in pioneering the SaaS delivery model for enterprise software and his contributions to the broader technology industry.[23]

Barron's magazine has featured Benioff in its coverage of prominent business leaders and technology executives, highlighting his role in shaping the cloud computing industry.[24]

In 2009, the World Economic Forum named Benioff a Young Global Leader, a distinction he shared with other prominent technology figures including Mark Zuckerberg, Chad Hurley, and Kevin Rose.[25]

Legacy

Marc Benioff's influence on the technology industry is most clearly reflected in the widespread adoption of the Software as a service (SaaS) model that Salesforce helped establish. When Benioff founded the company in 1999, the concept of delivering enterprise software through the internet on a subscription basis was far from mainstream. By the 2020s, cloud-based software delivery had become the dominant model in enterprise technology, and Salesforce's early success was instrumental in demonstrating the viability of this approach to both customers and investors.[8][26]

The 1-1-1 philanthropic model that Benioff introduced at Salesforce has had a measurable impact beyond the company itself. The Pledge 1% initiative, which grew out of Salesforce's model, has been adopted by thousands of companies worldwide, creating a structured framework for corporate giving that integrates philanthropy into business operations from a company's earliest stages.[27]

Benioff's approach to stakeholder capitalism — the idea that corporations have responsibilities not only to shareholders but also to employees, communities, and society at large — has been a recurring theme in his public statements and writings, including his book Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change. This positioning has at times placed him at the center of debates about the role of CEOs in public advocacy and whether corporate leaders should take stances on social and political issues. His record has been both praised and criticized: supporters have pointed to his philanthropic commitments and advocacy for equality, while critics have questioned whether his public statements have always been consistent with Salesforce's business practices, particularly regarding government contracts.[28][29]

As a figure who has operated at the intersection of technology, media, philanthropy, and public policy, Benioff's career reflects the expanding influence of technology executives in American business and society. His ownership of Time magazine, his advocacy at the World Economic Forum, and his commentary on issues from AI regulation to urban policy in San Francisco illustrate the broad reach of his public role beyond the management of a single corporation.

References

  1. ↑ "Marc Benioff".Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Bio: Marc Benioff".Salesforce.https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Marc Benioff".Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company".Salesforce.2013-03.https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "How These Famous Benioffs Are Related".Business Insider.2015-04.http://www.businessinsider.com/how-these-famous-benioffs-are-related-2015-4.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Bio: Marc Benioff".Salesforce.https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company".Salesforce.2013-03.https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "How to Turn a Simple Idea into a High-Growth Company".Salesforce.2013-03.https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches'".CNBC.2026-01-20.https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Billionaire Marc Benioff challenges the AI sector: 'What's more important to us, growth or our kids?'".Fortune.2026-01-20.https://fortune.com/2026/01/20/billionaire-marc-benioff-section-230-ai-whats-more-important-growth-or-kids/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches'".CNBC.2026-01-20.https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Salesforce workers outraged after CEO makes joke about ICE watching them".The Guardian.2026-02-11.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/salesforce-marc-benioff-ice-joke-employees.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Marc Benioff 'Jokes' ICE Is Watching Salesforce Employees Who Traveled to the U.S.".404 Media.https://www.404media.co/marc-benioff-jokes-ice-is-watching-salesforce-employees-who-traveled-to-the-u-s/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know.".HR Brew.2026-02-20.https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/02/20/salesforce-employees-respond-to-ceo-marc-benioff-s-insensitive-ice-comment-here-s-what-hr-needs-to-know.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Salesforce Workers Circulate Open Letter Urging CEO Marc Benioff to Denounce ICE".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/letter-salesforce-employees-sent-after-marc-benioffs-ice-comments/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "A top Salesforce executive says Benioff's ICE jokes were 'not OK'".Business Insider.2026-02.https://www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-cofounder-criticizes-benioff-ice-jokes-2026-2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Marc Benioff Says Trump Should Send Guard Troops to San Francisco".The New York Times.2025-10-10.https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/us/marc-benioff-san-francisco-guard.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "World's Greatest Leaders 2016".Fortune.2016-03-24.http://fortune.com/2016/03/24/worlds-greatest-leaders-2016-intro/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Businessperson of the Year: Readers' Choice".Fortune.2014-11-12.http://fortune.com/2014/11/12/businessperson-year-readers-choice/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Innovation Awards: Our annual prizes recognise successful innovators in eight categories".The Economist.https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Marc Benioff profile".Barron's.http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577283662192414888.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "World Economic Forum Announces New Batch Of Young Global Leaders: Mark Zuckerberg, Chad Hurley, Kevin Rose And More".TechCrunch.2009-02-25.https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/25/world-economic-forum-announces-new-batch-of-young-global-leaders-mark-zuckerberg-chad-hurley-kevin-rose-and-more/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Innovation Awards: Our annual prizes recognise successful innovators in eight categories".The Economist.https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  27. ↑ "The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  28. ↑ "Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know.".HR Brew.2026-02-20.https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/02/20/salesforce-employees-respond-to-ceo-marc-benioff-s-insensitive-ice-comment-here-s-what-hr-needs-to-know.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "The Gospel of Wealth According to Marc Benioff".WIRED.https://www.wired.com/story/gospel-of-wealth-according-to-marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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