Safra Catz
Leading with Vision in the Tech World
Safra Ada Catz, an American billionaire banker and technology executive, is a name synonymous with leadership in the world of technology and finance.
Born on December 1, 1961, in Holon, Israel, her remarkable journey to becoming the CEO of Oracle Corporation reflects her unwavering dedication and tenacity.
Safra Catz's story begins in Holon, Israel, where she was born to Jewish parents. Her father was an immigrant from Romania. She moved from Israel to Brookline, Massachusetts, at the age of six.
Her educational pursuits reflect her commitment to excellence. After graduating from Brookline High School, she earned a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983.
Safra's thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1986.
Safra Catz's impressive career in finance took flight at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, serving as a managing director from February 1997 to March 1999 and a senior vice president from January 1994 to February 1997.
She previously held various investment banking positions since 1986. In 1999, Catz joined Oracle as a senior vice president. She has been a non-executive director of Oracle subsidiary Hyperion Solutions since April 2007.
She has been a member of the executive council of TechNet since March 2013. She was a director of PeopleSoft Inc. since December 2004 and Stellent Inc. since December 2006.
Catz joined Oracle Corporation in April 1999. Catz became a member of the company's board of directors in October 2001 and president in early 2004. She is credited for having driven Oracle's 2005 efforts to acquire software rival PeopleSoft in a $10.3 billion takeover.
Catz is also the company's CFO, serving temporarily in that role from November 2005 to September 2008 and from April 2011 to the present. Mark Hurd joined her as co-president in 2010. In December 2019, Oracle stated that Catz would be the sole CEO after Hurd's death.
Safra Catz's impact is felt far beyond her professional roles. In 2009, Fortune recognised her as the 12th most powerful woman in business. Forbes echoed this sentiment by ranking her as the 16th most powerful businesswoman in 2009 and the 24th in 2014.
According to an Equilar analysis published by Fortune, she was in 2011 the highest-paid woman among Fortune 1000 companies, receiving an estimated US$51,695,742 in total remuneration.
Safra Catz's journey from Israel to the United States and her ascent in the corporate world is a testament to her unwavering commitment and resilience.
Her impact as a woman in leadership has inspired many, and her financial prowess and strategic acumen have earned her a place among the most influential leaders in the modern world.
She has also been recognised for her influential role in public service and her engagements in the political sphere. Her legacy as the highest-paid female CEO of any U.S. company and her involvement with organisations like The Walt Disney Company have solidified her position as a trailblazer.
Safra Catz is not only a trailblazer in the business world but also in her personal life. She is married to Gal Tirosh, and together, they have two sons.
As the CEO of Oracle Corporation and a figure of great influence, Safra Catz's legacy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her career and her exceptional leadership in the technology industry.
Her journey from Israel to the United States and her rise to the pinnacle of the tech world have inspired many, making her a role model for future leaders.
Safra Catz's influence extends to the financial realm, as evidenced by her remarkable net worth. According to Forbes, in 2024, her net worth is an impressive 180 crores USD, reflecting her unparalleled success in the corporate world.
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