What To Know
- Under his leadership, Zendesk has grown from a small startup to a global leader in customer service software.
- Zendesk’s journey from a private startup to a publicly traded company is a testament to its vision, execution, and customer-centric approach.
- As a publicly traded company, Zendesk is now owned by a diverse group of shareholders who are invested in its long-term success.
The answer to the question “Is Zendesk private?” is a resounding no. Zendesk is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “ZEN.” It completed its initial public offering (IPO) in May 2014, raising approximately $100 million.
Understanding the Ownership Structure of Zendesk
As a public company, Zendesk’s ownership is distributed among a diverse group of shareholders. The largest shareholder is Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, which holds approximately 16% of the company’s outstanding shares. Other major shareholders include:
- Vanguard Group (approximately 7%)
- BlackRock Fund Advisors (approximately 6%)
- State Street Global Advisors (approximately 5%)
Zendesk’s Board of Directors
The company’s board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management and strategic direction of Zendesk. The current board consists of 10 members, including:
- Mikkel Svane (CEO and Chairman)
- Marc Benioff (Co-Founder and former CEO of Salesforce)
- Kelly Kramer (Former CFO of Salesforce)
- Mark Templeton (Former CEO of Citrix)
- Karenann Terrell (Former CEO of Sunrun)
Company Leadership and Management
Mikkel Svane, one of the company’s founders, has served as Zendesk’s CEO since its inception in 2007. Under his leadership, Zendesk has grown from a small startup to a global leader in customer service software.
Other key members of Zendesk’s management team include:
- Adrian McDermott (Chief Operating Officer)
- Alex Bard (Chief Product Officer)
- Bill Macaitis (Chief Financial Officer)
- Sam Boonin (Chief People Officer)
Zendesk’s Financial Performance
Zendesk has experienced strong financial performance in recent years. In 2022, the company reported revenue of $1.4 billion, a 30% increase from the previous year. Net income for the year was $223 million, up from $151 million in 2021.
Zendesk’s Competitors and Market Position
Zendesk operates in a highly competitive market for customer service software. Its main competitors include:
- Salesforce Service Cloud
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service
- Oracle Service Cloud
- Freshworks
- HubSpot Service Hub
Despite the competition, Zendesk has established a strong market position as a leading provider of cloud-based customer service solutions. The company’s focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement has contributed to its success.
Zendesk’s Future Prospects
Zendesk has a bright future ahead. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for customer service software. Its continued investment in research and development, strategic acquisitions, and global expansion will drive further growth in the years to come.
The Bottom Line: Zendesk’s Path to Success
Zendesk’s journey from a private startup to a publicly traded company is a testament to its vision, execution, and customer-centric approach. As a publicly traded company, Zendesk is now owned by a diverse group of shareholders who are invested in its long-term success. The company’s strong financial performance, talented leadership team, and competitive market position make it well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
Top Questions Asked
1. Who is the largest shareholder of Zendesk?
Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, is the largest shareholder of Zendesk.
2. Who is Zendesk’s CEO?
Mikkel Svane is Zendesk’s CEO and has been since its inception in 2007.
3. What is Zendesk’s ticker symbol?
Zendesk’s ticker symbol is “ZEN.”
4. What industry does Zendesk operate in?
Zendesk operates in the customer service software industry.
5. What are Zendesk’s main competitors?
Zendesk’s main competitors include Salesforce Service Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service, Oracle Service Cloud, Freshworks, and HubSpot Service Hub.
