Smartsheet, a leading AI-powered work management platform, announced on August 6, 2025, that CEO Mark Mader will retire at the end of September after nearly 20 years of leadership. Sunny Gupta, a SaaS industry veteran, will assume the roles of Executive Chair and Acting CEO, guiding the company through its next phase of innovation and global expansion.
Mark Mader to retire as Smartsheet CEO and Board member by September 2025.
Sunny Gupta named Executive Chair and Acting CEO, effective immediately.
Gupta brings 20+ years of experience, including as co-founder and CEO of Apptio.
Mader to remain as advisor to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Smartsheet to accelerate AI investments and enterprise customer growth.
Board initiates search for a permanent CEO to lead future growth.
After leading Smartsheet for nearly two decades, Mark Mader will step down as CEO and from the Board of Directors. “Leading Smartsheet has been an incredible honor, and I am deeply proud of the businesses and people we have empowered and what we have built together,” said Mader. He will stay on as an advisor, supporting a seamless transition while remaining a significant investor.
Sunny Gupta, who previously scaled Apptio to a leading technology spend management provider acquired by IBM in 2023, steps into the dual role of Executive Chair and Acting CEO. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and our employees, I want to thank Mark for his visionary leadership,” said Gupta. “I am super excited to help build on Smartsheet’s AI-powered work management platform and continue strengthening its role as the technology foundation where people and AI work in partnership to drive results.”
Under Gupta’s leadership, Smartsheet aims to accelerate its AI investments and expand its global enterprise presence. The company’s platform, used by over 85% of Fortune 500 companies, integrates AI to enhance collaboration, project management, and operational efficiency, positioning Smartsheet as a category leader in work management.
Gupta’s 20+ years of experience include leadership roles at Opsware, iConclude, and Rational Software, alongside his tenure as Apptio’s CEO from 2007 to 2024. His track record of scaling high-growth SaaS businesses will drive Smartsheet’s focus on innovation and operational excellence during this transition period.
Smartsheet’s leadership transition marks a pivotal moment as the company builds on its AI-driven platform to empower enterprises worldwide. With Gupta at the helm and a CEO search underway, Smartsheet is poised to strengthen its market leadership and drive transformative outcomes for its customers.
Smartsheet is an AI-powered, enterprise-grade modern work management platform trusted by companies across the globe, including more than 85% of the Fortune 500. The category pioneer and market leader, Smartsheet delivers powerful solutions fueling performance and driving the next wave of innovation.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.