Blackbaud taps Microsoft exec as new CEO

Blackbaud Inc., a provider of software and related services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, announced today it has named Marc Chardon, a senior Microsoft executive, as its new president and chief executive officer. He will succeed retiring President and CEO Robert J. Sywolski effective Nov. 28.

An executive with Microsoft since 1998, Chardon has served as CFO of Microsoft’s $11 billion Information Worker Business since 2003. In this role, he has been responsible for developing a sustainable growth strategy and plan for the business, which includes Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, LiveMeeting and other related products.

Mick Hellman, chairman of Blackbaud’s board of directors, said, “Blackbaud should benefit tremendously from Marc’s rare combination of operational excellence, strong strategic management and broad software experience. At Microsoft and Digital Equipment, Marc demonstrated his talent by increasing sales and profits, penetrating new market opportunities and delivering superior levels of customer and employee satisfaction. We are pleased to have such a proven and talented software executive lead the organization as we work to further build our market-leading position in the industry.”

Chardon noted, “Blackbaud is an incredibly strong organization that enjoys an undisputed leadership position within the nonprofit software market. The company has a great track record of delivering software and services that add real value to customers and is well positioned for the future. I look forward to leading this talented team and helping to execute the current strategy at the highest level, while also developing new opportunities to continue to grow the business by better serving the nonprofit community.”

Chardon, who graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics, is a French-American who was born in the United States and has spent seven years working in Europe. He succeeds the retiring Sywolski, who has been president and CEO since March 2000.