One of the biggest US software companies cuts 1000 jobs globally; sales roles to be affected most

Design software maker Autodesk has announced its latest round of job cuts. In an SEC filing, the company confirmed that it is set to lay off about 7% of its workforce globally, or roughly 1,000 employees. A significant portion of the reductions will be in customer-facing sales roles, the company said in the regulatory filing. Autodesk, which had about 15,300 employees as of January 31, 2025, said it expects to complete the restructuring plan by the end of its fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, subject to local law and consultation requirements. The company plans to reinvest part of the savings into strategic priorities across the business during the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027. ​​The company described this change as the final step in a several-year effort to update how it sells and markets its products. Autodesk is moving away from its old method, which relied heavily on resellers and distributors, and switching to subscriptions and pay-as-you-use pricing. This new model allows the company to exercise greater direct control over prices and customer relationships.In the SEC filing, Autodesk CEO and President Andrew Anagnost wrote, “I recognise the weight of this news, particularly as it follows the organisational changes we made last year. I want to be clear that this will not become an annual process at Autodesk, and these changes are not driven by the external environment or an effort to replace people with AI. We remain steadfast in our belief that technology is only as powerful as the people who use it and humans will always be the most important part of the equation. This announcement reflects a deliberate decision by leadership to align our organisation with our long-term strategy and the opportunities ahead.A note of thanksTo our team members who are impacted, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for your contributions to Autodesk. Many of you have been instrumental in the transformation journey that brought us to where we are today. You have built the foundation of this company and will always be a part of Autodesk’s story.What to expect nextAutodesk will immediately begin the process of informing employees whose roles may be impacted. These conversations will take place beginning January 22. Employees whose role may be impacted will hear directly from a leader in their management chain, though timing and approach will vary by country. In a few countries, this is a consultative process which will be conducted in accordance with local laws, with decisions finalised once the process has concluded.We are committed to treating impacted employees with care, respect, and transparency. Autodesk will support any exiting employees throughout this process with severance, benefits continuation, and career transition assistance, where applicable.Looking forwardTo the team taking us forward, saying goodbye to colleagues while also supporting the company’s evolution is incredibly difficult. I recognise the uncertainty this brings, but these choices are essential to our readiness to lead the next era of Design and Make.I am confident in our strategy and in the people of Autodesk who will bring it to life. As I said at Investor Day, our best days and biggest growth opportunities are ahead of us. And I’ve never been more confident in the long-term value we are creating, for our customers and for the industries that shape the world.Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and to each other.Andrew”