Autodesk Strengthens Board with New Appointments of Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons

Autodesk Appoints Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons to Board of Directors

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader in design software, has recently shared exciting news of its decision to strengthen its board with the appointments of Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons. This move comes as part of a cooperation agreement with investment firm Starboard Value LP, and is set to foster enhanced governance and strategic direction leading into Autodesk's annual stockholder meeting on June 18, 2025.

Both Epstein and Simons will initially join the board as non-voting observers, before transitioning to full voting members upon the conclusion of the meeting. This brings Autodesk's Board of Directors to a total of 12 members, with 11 being independent – a significant aspect that reinforces the company’s commitment towards robust oversight and diverse perspectives.

Backgrounds of the New Board Members

Stacy J. Smith, the Chairman of Autodesk's Board, expressed optimism regarding the appointments, highlighting the robust leadership and extensive expertise that both Epstein and Simons bring to the table.

Jeff Epstein

Jeff Epstein has made notable strides in the technology and finance sectors, serving as Operating Partner and Head of Corporate Development at Bessemer Venture Partners. With a history of leadership roles, including being the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Oracle, Epstein holds an impressive track record in steering financial operations at some of the world's largest technology companies. He also holds board positions at leading firms such as Twilio, Okta, and Couchbase.

His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Yale University and an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, equipping him with the analytical skills and strategic insight required to guide Autodesk’s future endeavors.

Christie Simons

On the other hand, Christie Simons boasts over three decades of experience, particularly in aiding global technology clients. Her extensive tenure at Deloitte, where she held key leadership positions, culminated in her being a Senior Partner overseeing significant sectors like Semiconductor and Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT). Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors at Micron Technology and has contributed to various high-profile boards, showcasing her commitment to fostering growth and innovation in tech sectors.

Strategic Collaboration with Starboard

The appointment of Epstein and Simons is also tied to a strategic relationship between Autodesk and Starboard Value LP, a firm with a history of investing in undervalued companies. Starboard has emphasized their enthusiasm regarding Autodesk’s potential for improved profitability and long-term value creation, and they plan to engage constructively with the board and management team moving forward.

In tandem with these appointments, Starboard will withdraw its previously stated nominations for directorship, aligning with customary agreements aimed at fostering collaboration for long-term shareholder value. The cooperation agreement is expected to facilitate ongoing dialogue, driving sustainable value for all shareholders.

Conclusion

The onboarding of these two experts marks a pivotal moment for Autodesk as it aims to navigate the competitive landscape of design software amidst rapidly evolving technology solutions. Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons are positioned to contribute significantly towards the company’s strategic objectives, particularly in enhancing profitability and shareholder value. As Autodesk proceeds with its industry cloud and AI strategies, their insights will be invaluable in achieving robust business performance and continued market leadership.

For more updates on Autodesk and their journey in design software innovation, visit their official website and follow their journey towards empowering creators across various industries globally.