In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of enterprise software, one name stands out as a driving force behind innovation, customer success, and global expansion, Chano Fernandez. As the co-CEO at Workday, he has been instrumental in steering the company towards unprecedented growth, cementing its position as a leader in the industry.
With a solid educational foundation, his journey into the world of technology and business began with a bachelor's degree in physics from the prestigious University of Salamanca. This scientific background equipped him with analytical and problem-solving skills, which would later prove invaluable in his career.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Fernandez pursued a Master of Business Administration degree from the Instituto de Empresa, further honing his business acumen and preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
His professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. He joined Workday in 2014, initially taking up the role of executive vice president of global field operations. Demonstrating his expertise and leadership, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the president of EMEA and APJ and eventually serving as co-president before stepping into his current role as co-CEO.
As co-CEO, Fernandez's responsibilities are far-reaching, encompassing the entire customer relationship lifecycle. From acquisition to services, customer success, and support, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that Workday delivers exceptional value and satisfaction to its ever-growing customer base.
His contributions to Workday's success go beyond operational leadership. He is also a member of the company's board of directors, influencing strategic decisions and guiding the organization towards long-term growth and sustainability.
Before joining Workday, he held key positions at other major players in the enterprise software landscape. Notably, he spent seven years as senior vice president and head of innovation sales at SAP EMEA, where his focus on driving innovation and customer-centric solutions earned him a stellar reputation in the industry.
Prior to his tenure at SAP, Fernando served as vice president of EMEA sales at Infor, where he was responsible for managing global and large accounts. His experience at Infor further enriched his understanding of the enterprise software market and strengthened his leadership capabilities.
However, the journey to success did not start in the corporate world. He co-founded Blue C and served as its general manager, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to build and grow businesses from scratch. Earlier in his career, he was a senior consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he provided strategic counsel to various organizations.
His ability to combine technical expertise with business acumen has been the driving force behind his remarkable ascent in the enterprise software industry.