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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|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, business executive, and philanthropist who co-founded [[Salesforce]], one of the world's largest enterprise cloud computing companies, and has served as its chairman and chief executive officer since its inception. Born and raised in [[San Francisco]], Benioff demonstrated an early aptitude for technology and business before joining [[Oracle Corporation]], where he spent thirteen years rising through the ranks. He departed Oracle in 1999 to launch Salesforce, a company built on the then-novel concept of delivering enterprise software as an internet-based service rather than through traditional installed applications. Under his leadership, Salesforce grew into a major force in the global technology industry. Beyond his role at Salesforce, Benioff has become known for his outspoken advocacy on corporate social responsibility and, more recently, for his calls for regulation of [[artificial intelligence]]. In 2018, he and his wife Lynne purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, adding media ownership to his business portfolio.<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> His career has been marked by a willingness to take public positions on social and political issues, a practice that has at times generated both praise and controversy among employees, shareholders, and the 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 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.


== 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, a region that would later become synonymous with the technology industry in which he built his career. From an early age, Benioff showed a strong interest in computers and entrepreneurship. As a teenager, he began programming and selling software, demonstrating the kind of initiative that would later characterize his business ventures.
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.


Benioff has spoken publicly about how his upbringing in San Francisco shaped his worldview and his approach to business. The city's culture of innovation and social consciousness would later influence his philosophy of corporate responsibility, which became a defining element of Salesforce's corporate identity. His family background included connections to the entertainment industry; media reports have explored how the Benioff surname connects to several prominent figures in different fields.<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 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's early exposure to technology during the rise of the personal computing revolution in the 1980s provided him with both technical skills and a firsthand understanding of how technology could transform industries and everyday life. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his later career in enterprise software and cloud computing.


== 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 provided him with a formal foundation in business and technology that complemented the practical programming and entrepreneurial experience he had accumulated during his teenage years. The university's location in [[Los Angeles]] and its connections to both the technology and entertainment industries offered Benioff a broad network that would prove useful in his subsequent career. After completing his undergraduate studies, Benioff entered the technology workforce, joining Oracle Corporation, where he would spend over a decade honing his skills in enterprise software sales and management.
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.


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


After graduating from USC, Benioff joined [[Oracle Corporation]], the database and enterprise software giant founded by [[Larry Ellison]]. He spent thirteen years at Oracle, where he rose through the executive ranks and gained deep expertise in enterprise software sales, marketing, and management. At Oracle, Benioff became one of the company's youngest vice presidents, a distinction that underscored his rapid ascent within the organization. His tenure at Oracle gave him an intimate understanding of the enterprise software market, including its distribution models, customer relationships, and the pain points that businesses experienced when purchasing, installing, and maintaining complex software systems.
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.


Benioff's relationship with Larry Ellison during this period was significant. Ellison served as a mentor to Benioff, and the two maintained a close professional relationship. Ellison would later become one of the early investors in Salesforce, although their relationship evolved over the years as Salesforce grew into a competitor in certain segments of the enterprise software market. The experience and insights Benioff gained at Oracle were instrumental in shaping his vision for a new kind of software company—one that would deliver applications over the internet rather than through traditional on-premises installations.
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.


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


In March 1999, Benioff co-founded Salesforce, launching the company from a rented apartment in San Francisco.<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 was built on a concept that was radical at the time: delivering [[customer relationship management]] (CRM) software as a service over the internet, eliminating the need for businesses to purchase, install, and maintain expensive hardware and software on their own premises. This model, which came to be known as [[software as a service]] (SaaS), represented a fundamental shift in how enterprise software was conceived, sold, and delivered.
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.


Benioff's founding thesis was that the internet would transform the software industry in the same way it was transforming media, retail, and other sectors. By hosting software on centralized servers and delivering it to customers through web browsers, Salesforce could offer lower upfront costs, faster deployment, automatic updates, and greater accessibility compared to traditional enterprise software. The concept drew skepticism from many established players in the technology industry, who questioned whether businesses would entrust their critical data and applications to third-party servers.
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]].


From its earliest days, Salesforce adopted an aggressive marketing strategy to differentiate itself from incumbent enterprise software vendors. The company became known for provocative tactics, including staging protests outside industry conferences held by competitors like [[Siebel Systems]], with signs declaring "No Software" — a slogan that encapsulated the company's vision of a world beyond traditional installed software. These guerrilla marketing efforts helped Salesforce attract attention and establish a distinct brand identity in a crowded market.
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.


Salesforce held its [[initial public offering]] (IPO) on the [[New York Stock Exchange]], marking a significant milestone in the company's growth. The successful IPO validated the SaaS business model and positioned Salesforce as a leader in the emerging cloud computing industry. Over the following years, the company expanded its product portfolio beyond CRM to include a broad platform of cloud-based business applications and development tools.
=== 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 grew from a startup operating out of a San Francisco apartment into one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world. The company pursued an aggressive strategy of organic growth supplemented by strategic acquisitions, purchasing dozens of companies over the years to expand its capabilities in areas including marketing automation, analytics, e-commerce, and collaboration tools.
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's leadership style at Salesforce has been characterized by a combination of bold vision, relentless energy, and a willingness to take public positions on social and political issues. He championed what he called the "1-1-1 model" of integrated philanthropy, in which Salesforce committed one percent of its equity, one percent of its employee time, and one percent of its product to charitable causes. This model was adopted by other technology companies and became a widely discussed framework for corporate philanthropy in the technology sector.<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>
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.


The company's annual conference, [[Dreamforce]], became one of the largest technology conferences in the world, attracting tens of thousands of attendees to San Francisco each year and serving as a platform for Benioff to articulate his vision for the future of technology and business.
=== Corporate Philosophy and the 1-1-1 Model ===
 
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.
 
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.


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


In 2018, Marc and Lynne Benioff purchased ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, acquiring the storied publication from [[Meredith Corporation]]. The acquisition marked Benioff's entry into the media industry and added another dimension to his public profile. Benioff stated that the purchase was a personal investment, separate from Salesforce, and that ''Time'' would continue to operate independently with editorial freedom.<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>
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.


The acquisition of ''Time'' reflected Benioff's interest in media and public discourse, as well as a broader trend of technology billionaires acquiring legacy media properties. The purchase drew comparisons to [[Jeff Bezos]]'s acquisition of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' and [[Laurene Powell Jobs]]'s acquisition of a majority stake in ''[[The Atlantic]]''.
=== Advocacy on Artificial Intelligence Regulation ===


=== Advocacy on Artificial Intelligence ===
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 January 2026, Benioff became an outspoken voice calling for regulation of [[artificial intelligence]], speaking at the [[World Economic Forum]] in [[Davos]], [[Switzerland]]. During a forum session titled "Where Can New Growth Come From?", Benioff challenged the AI sector, stating, "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 described certain AI models as having become "suicide coaches," referencing documented cases in which individuals had died by suicide after interactions with AI chatbots.<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>
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.


Benioff's calls for AI regulation placed him in a distinct position among major technology CEOs, many of whom have sought to minimize regulatory intervention in the AI space. His remarks at Davos drew significant media attention and contributed to broader public debate about the safety and ethical implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies.
=== Controversies ===


=== ICE Controversy (2026) ===
==== Public Safety Remarks and San Francisco ====


In February 2026, Benioff became the subject of significant internal and public controversy after making remarks about [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE) during a company event. According to reports, Benioff joked at the event that ICE was monitoring international employees who had traveled to the United States to attend the gathering.<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><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>
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>


The comments provoked a strong backlash within Salesforce. Over 1,400 Salesforce employees signed an open letter demanding that Benioff cease business operations with ICE.<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> Employees circulated the letter internally and it was subsequently reported on by multiple media outlets.<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 |date=February 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Salesforce co-founder and CTO Parker Harris publicly addressed the remarks, 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 |date=February 2026 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
==== ICE Comments and Employee Backlash ====


The incident highlighted ongoing tensions within major technology companies regarding government contracts and the ethical implications of providing technology services to law enforcement and immigration agencies. Salesforce's relationship with ICE had been a source of internal debate at the company for several years prior to the 2026 controversy.
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>


=== Public Political Commentary ===
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 periodically made public statements on political and social matters, a practice that has drawn varying reactions. In October 2025, he stated publicly that then-President [[Donald Trump]] should send [[National Guard]] troops to San Francisco, a comment that attracted attention given Benioff's long-standing association with 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> The remark reflected a shift in Benioff's public positioning on urban policy issues and was noted by commentators as a departure from positions he had taken earlier in his career.
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>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Marc Benioff is married to Lynne Krilich. The couple has two children. The Benioffs reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, and together they have engaged in significant philanthropic activity. Their joint purchase of ''Time'' magazine in 2018 was structured as a personal investment, separate from Salesforce.
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 been publicly associated with San Francisco throughout his life, having been born, raised, and based his company in the city. His relationship with the city has been multifaceted, encompassing philanthropy, business investment, and, at times, public criticism of the city's governance and social conditions.<ref>{{cite news |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>
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.


The Benioffs have made notable charitable donations to hospitals, educational institutions, and environmental causes. Their philanthropy has been a consistent element of Benioff's public identity, intertwined with his advocacy for the 1-1-1 model of corporate giving that he implemented at Salesforce.
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>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Benioff has received numerous awards and recognitions over the course of his career. In 2014, he was named ''Fortune'' magazine's Businessperson of the Year in a readers' choice poll.<ref>{{cite web |title=Businessperson of the Year: Readers' 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 2016, ''Fortune'' included him on its list of the World's Greatest Leaders.<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>
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>


He received an Innovation Award from ''The Economist'' for his contributions to the technology industry, recognizing the impact of the SaaS model that Salesforce helped pioneer.<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> Benioff has also been profiled by ''Barron's'' as a significant figure in the technology and business landscape.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff |url=http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577283662192414888 |publisher=Barron's |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]], a designation shared that year with other prominent technology figures including [[Mark Zuckerberg]] and [[Chad Hurley]].<ref>{{cite news |title=World Economic Forum Announces New Batch Of Young Global Leaders |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>
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 is regularly listed on the ''Forbes'' list of the world's wealthiest individuals, reflecting the value of his holdings in Salesforce and other investments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Benioff |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/ |publisher=Forbes |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 ==


Marc Benioff's career is most closely associated with the development and popularization of the [[software as a service]] (SaaS) business model. By founding Salesforce and demonstrating that enterprise software could be successfully delivered over the internet, Benioff helped catalyze a broader transformation in the technology industry. The cloud computing model that Salesforce championed in the late 1990s and early 2000s has since become the dominant paradigm for enterprise software delivery, adopted by companies across virtually every segment of the technology industry.
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.


Benioff's 1-1-1 philanthropic model has been adopted by hundreds of companies, particularly in the technology sector, and has become a recognized framework for integrating charitable giving into corporate operations from a company's founding.<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> The model has been cited as an example of "stakeholder capitalism," in which corporations consider the interests of a broader set of constituents beyond shareholders.
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.


At the same time, Benioff's legacy encompasses the tensions and contradictions that have accompanied the rise of billionaire technology executives as public figures and political actors. His willingness to take public positions on social issues—from LGBTQ rights and homelessness to AI regulation and immigration enforcement—has made him one of the more prominent CEO voices in American public discourse, while also exposing him to criticism from various quarters. The 2026 ICE controversy and the employee backlash it generated illustrated the challenges that technology leaders face in navigating complex social and political issues within their own organizations.
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 acquisition of ''Time'' magazine and his increasing engagement with political commentary have further expanded the scope of his public role beyond the technology industry, positioning him as a figure of broader cultural and political influence.
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>


== References ==
== References ==
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Revision as of 00:42, 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 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, adding media ownership to his portfolio of business interests.[1] 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.

Early Life

Marc Russell Benioff was born on September 25, 1964, in San Francisco, California.[2] 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.

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.[3]

Education

Benioff attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.[4] 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.

Career

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.

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.

Founding of Salesforce

In March 1999, Benioff co-founded Salesforce with Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez.[5] 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.

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, and Siebel Systems.

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.

Growth and Public Offering

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 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.

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.

Corporate Philosophy and the 1-1-1 Model

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.

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.

Acquisition of Time Magazine

In September 2018, Benioff and his wife Lynne purchased 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.[6] 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.

Advocacy on Artificial Intelligence Regulation

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?"[7] 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.[8]

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.

Controversies

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 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.[9]

ICE Comments and Employee Backlash

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.[10]

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.[11][12] Salesforce co-founder and chief technology officer Parker Harris publicly addressed the incident, stating that Benioff's jokes were "not OK."[13]

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.[14]

Personal Life

Marc Benioff is married to Lynne Krilich, and the couple have two children.[15] 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 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 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.[16]

Recognition

Benioff has received numerous accolades over the course of his career. In 2016, Fortune named him among its "World's Greatest Leaders" list, recognizing his influence in both the technology industry and the broader business world.[17] In 2014, he was selected as Fortune's "Businessperson of the Year" by reader vote.[18]

The Economist recognized Benioff with an Innovation Award, citing his contributions to the development of cloud computing and the SaaS business model.[19] Barron's has also featured Benioff in its coverage of technology industry leadership.[20]

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.[21]

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

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.

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.

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.

As covered by 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.[22]

References

  1. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  2. ↑ "Marc Benioff".Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-benioff/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "How These Famous Benioffs Are Related".Business Insider.http://www.businessinsider.com/how-these-famous-benioffs-are-related-2015-4.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Bio - Marc Benioff".Salesforce.https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "How to Turn a Simple Idea Into a High-Growth Company".Salesforce.https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-turn-a-simple-idea-into-a-high-growth-company.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  7. ↑ "Billionaire Marc Benioff challenges the AI sector: 'What's more important to us, growth or our kids?'".Fortune.January 20, 2026.https://fortune.com/2026/01/20/billionaire-marc-benioff-section-230-ai-whats-more-important-growth-or-kids/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches'".CNBC.January 20, 2026.https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Marc Benioff Says Trump Should Send Guard Troops to San Francisco".The New York Times.October 10, 2025.https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/us/marc-benioff-san-francisco-guard.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "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.
  11. ↑ "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.
  12. ↑ "Salesforce employees respond to CEO Marc Benioff's insensitive ICE comment. Here's what HR needs to know.".HR Brew.February 20, 2026.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.
  13. ↑ "A top Salesforce executive says Benioff's ICE jokes were 'not OK'".Business Insider.https://www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-cofounder-criticizes-benioff-ice-jokes-2026-2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Salesforce workers outraged after CEO makes joke about ICE watching them".The Guardian.February 11, 2026.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/salesforce-marc-benioff-ice-joke-employees.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Bio - Marc Benioff".Salesforce.https://www.salesforce.com/company/leadership/bios/bio-benioff.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Behind the Cloud".Google Books.https://books.google.com/books?id=XX5QJ7hfDW8C&pg=PR18.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "World's Greatest Leaders 2016".Fortune.March 24, 2016.http://fortune.com/2016/03/24/worlds-greatest-leaders-2016-intro/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Businessperson of the Year: Reader's Choice".Fortune.November 12, 2014.http://fortune.com/2014/11/12/businessperson-year-readers-choice/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Innovation Awards".The Economist.https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21567206-innovation-awards-our-annual-prizes-recognise-successful-innovators-eight.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Barron's Feature".Barron's.http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577283662192414888.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "World Economic Forum Announces New Batch Of Young Global Leaders: Mark Zuckerberg, Chad Hurley, Kevin Rose And More".TechCrunch.February 25, 2009.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.
  22. ↑ "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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