Slack’s New Leader Criticizes Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s ICE Remarks
Recent comments made by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff at a company event have sparked significant backlash from employees. During the Company Kickoff (CKO), Benioff made jokes regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which many found offensive. The remarks included a comment about ICE potentially surveilling employees’ travel, leading to discontent among the workforce.
Slack’s New General Manager Responds
Rob Seaman, the newly appointed general manager of Slack, addressed the situation in an internal message. He acknowledged the impact of Benioff’s jokes, stating, “I cannot defend or explain them. They do not align with my personal values.” Seaman emphasized that many employees likely feel similarly upset.
Company Leadership Statements
Seaman mentioned the expectation of a public statement from Salesforce regarding the comments. He expressed a desire to focus on the positive contributions of employees as well. “If there isn’t [a statement], I’ll discuss this in the next all-Slack call,” Seaman added.
- Rob Seaman is now executive vice president and general manager of Slack.
- This promotion followed the departure of former Slack CEO Denise Dresser, who became OpenAI’s chief revenue officer.
- Joe Inzerillo has been promoted to president of enterprise and AI technology.
Another Salesforce executive, Craig Broscow, also voiced the need for a response from Benioff. He highlighted that the implications of the comments overshadowed other positive developments within the company. Broscow noted that while there is enthusiasm surrounding strong business performance, many employees are disappointed by the remarks.
Key Takeaways
- Benioff’s comments on ICE have led to employee concerns at Salesforce.
- Slack’s leadership emphasizes the importance of responding to employee sentiment.
- Rob Seaman and Craig Broscow are key figures addressing the fallout.
As the situation evolves, many within Salesforce await an official response from Benioff, hoping it will acknowledge the concerns raised by employees. The company’s leadership is working to ensure a balance between addressing employee feelings and maintaining morale during this challenging period.
