QAD appoints new CEO, Chilton steps down after 7 years
Santa Barbara-based QAD has appointed Sanjay Brahmawar, formerly CEO of Software AG, as its new CEO, the software company announced March 10.
Brahmawar will begin in his new role on March 17 and will succeed Anton Chilton, who is stepping back from his CEO role after more than 20 years of service at QAD.
In a press release, QAD Board Chair Charles Goodman said Brahmawar joins “QAD at a pivotal time in its journey.”
“His expertise in innovation and his strong sense of customer needs make him the perfect choice to lead us forward,” Goodman, also an operating partner at Thoma Bravo, said.
During his time as Software AG’s CEO, Brahmawar saw the business evolve into a modern growth company. Specifically, he helped the company “enhance its reputation for product leadership, build a leading customer-centric go-to-market organization, and sharpen its offering through high-quality M&A.”
He aims to drive growth through product innovation and customer success at QAD as well.
“I’m incredibly excited to lead QAD into this next phase of growth and success. I want our customers to know I value their trust and am 100% committed to their success. And I want our people to know that we’re going to work hard together to build a QAD that plays to win,” he said.
Chilton first joined the company in 2004, and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming CEO in 2018 and serving in that role for the last seven years.
Chilton was the CEO when QAD announced that it would be sold to private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $2 billion. In recent memory, the company also sold its Santa Barbara headquarters to the University of California for $100 million — though it is still headquartered in Santa Barbara — and made its largest acquisition ever, purchasing Florida-based Redzone in 2023 for a reported $1 billion.
Chilton will be available through May 2025 to ensure a seamless transition, QAD said in a press release.
QAD, which provides cloud-based solutions for manufacturers and supply chains, was founded in 1979.
