CFO Slice

Technology companies are increasingly recruiting sitting chief financial officers directly from rivals and even their own boards as compressed business timelines and high-stakes investment demands make traditional executive succession processes too slow. The trend is exemplified by Marvell Technology’s appointment of former Adobe CFO Dan Durn, who bypassed a conventional executive search after serving for two years on Marvell’s board and chairing its audit committee. The move allowed Marvell to avoid a lengthy onboarding process and quickly install a finance leader familiar with the company’s strategy as it navigates growing demand for data center infrastructure. The growing competition for experienced finance executives reflects a broader shift in corporate governance. Boards are seeking leaders who can immediately manage capital allocation, technology investments, and shareholder expectations in an environment where execution windows have narrowed and capital remains expensive.