VMware's global CMO exits as Broadcom wake sees big exec departures

Laura Heisman has left VMware as its worldwide chief marketing officer, joining many of VMware’s top leaders who left in the wake of Broadcom’s acquisition

VMware's global chief marketing officer Laura Heisman has left the company, joining the growing list of VMware's highest-ranking executives who have recently departed in the wake of Broadcom's acquisition of VMware.

After less than two years as VMware's worldwide CMO, Heisman left the new Broadcom by VMware this month to join application security company Dynatrace as its new chief marketing officer.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Heisman said she was thrilled to join Dynatrace.

"It is going to be a great adventure, being part of a growing and industry-leading company that is focused on making the world's software work perfectly," Heisman said.

"I look forward to working with the incredible team at Dynatrace and supporting our customers and partners around the world."

Heisman became VMware's worldwide CMO in early 2022 following the departure of Carol Carpenter, who left VMware to become CMO of software provider Unity.

Heisman has over three decades of experience working for the likes of GitHub and Citrix.

She could not be reached for comment by press time.

Dynatrace CEO Rick McConnell said in a statement that with Heisman's "proven track record of crafting impactful marketing strategies across diverse sectors and for some of the most recognisable brands in the technology industry, she will play a pivotal role in creating, optimising, and personalising the end-to-end experience for our customers and partners."

Big VMware executive departures

Broadcom officially purchased VMware for $61bn in November 2023.

The acquisition has caused chaos in VMware's channel partner ecosystem as Broadcom completely changed VMware's channel strategy, including the termination of the VMware partner programme and unveiling it will be taking thousands of top VMware accounts direct.

The blockbuster acquisition has already seen many of VMware's top executives depart the company as Broadcom implements major changes, including cutting VMware up into four separate divisions.

Less than a week after Broadcom closed its $61bn acquisition, VMware's president Sumit Dhawan unveiled he was leaving the company.

Dhawan - who spent over eight years at VMware - became the new CEO of cybersecurity standout Proofpoint in November.

Zane Rowe, VMware's executive vice president, CFO and former interim CEO, decided to leave the company last year just a few months before the deal closed.

He joined Workday as its new CFO in June after spending over seven years at VMware.

Furthermore, VMware's CEO Raghu Raghuram appears to not be in any position of power.

Although still technically employed with Broadcom by VMware, Raghuram does not have an executive position at the company.

Broadcom said Raghuram will act as a technical advisor to assist Broadcom CEO Hock Tan with the transition.

"I plan to take a short break, rejuvenate, and then find a new and impactful mission into which I can pour my energy and passion," said Raghuram in a letter to VMware employees after Broadcom officially acquired his company.

"I will also continue my association with VMware as a strategic advisor to Hock Tan. I have no doubt that our paths will cross again. Until then, thank you, goodbye and good health."