Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that it will appoint Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons to its Board of Directors (the "Board") in connection with a cooperation agreement with Starboard Value LP ("Starboard").

Epstein and Simons will serve as non-voting observers on the Board until Autodesk's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 18, 2025 (the "Annual Meeting"), at which point they will become full voting members upon their appointment to the Board. Following the Annual Meeting, the Autodesk Board will be comprised of 12 directors, 11 of whom are independent.

Autodesk's 2025 State of Design & Make Report

Autodesk's third annual report reveals that AI skills are now the top hiring priority, as nearly half of industry leaders say AI will destabilize their sector. While 69% of professionals still express confidence in their company's AI strategies, trust in AI and access to trained talent are both declining. Only 40% report progress toward AI goals.

46% of leaders rank AI skills as a key hiring focus, yet 61% say it's hard to find new hires with technical skills. Almost half report lacking resources to build training programs, though 77% of tech-advanced firms are increasing digital training investments.

Sustainability is also driving growth. 75% of tech-advanced companies say it helps attract and retain talent, and 72% believe it boosts revenue. AI use for sustainability rose to 39%.

The report reflects data from nearly 6,000 professionals across architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and media.

Autodesk Board Member Betsy Rafael to Retire

San Francisco, April 1, 2025 – Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) announced that Board Member Elizabeth “Betsy” Rafael will not seek re-election at the company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The news was disclosed in a recent SEC Form 8-K filing.

Autodesk Responds to Starboard Value Criticism Amid Proxy Battle

Autodesk issued a statement defending its performance and governance amid a public campaign by activist investor Starboard Value. The company highlighted strong financial results, including a 16% increase in revenue since FY 2019, free cash flow of $1.6 billion in FY 2025, and expectations to reach over $2 billion in FY 2026. Autodesk also reported a significant share repurchase plan and ongoing board refreshment.

The company criticized Starboard for what it called a "self-serving campaign," including legal actions deemed frivolous by the Delaware Court and inconsistent engagement with Autodesk. Starboard has nominated its own slate of board members, which Autodesk pledged to review while reaffirming its focus on long-term shareholder value.

Autodesk, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John T. Cahill to the Audit Committee, effective January 18, 2025, designating him as an "audit committee financial expert." The company has scheduled its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for June 18, 2025, with adjusted deadlines for stockholder proposals and nominations. The report also includes forward-looking statements about the company's plans and potential risks, cautioning that actual results could differ due to various uncertainties. Further details and compliance updates are provided in the company’s SEC filings.