Meet Daniel Shapero, who went from ‘employee #300ish’ to becoming the new CEO of LinkedIn

Microsoft has appointed Daniel Shapero as the new CEO of its professional networking platform LinkedIn, outgoing CEO Ryan Roslansky announced in a post on the platform on Wednesday.

In a post on the platform announcing his elevation to the CEO position, Shapero recalled his modest beginnings at the company. “Today, I'm taking on the role as CEO of Linkedin. I joined Linkedin in May 2008 as employee #300ish, and it's easy to say that my time at the company has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” he wrote.

In his post announcing the appointment, Roslansky highlighted Shapero’s long tenure and cross-functional leadership within LinkedIn. The CEO designate has been serving as the company’s chief operating officer (COO) since 2021, leading sales, marketing, and product, after a two-year stint as its chief business officer (CBO).



Prior to LinkedIn, Shapero, a Harvard Business School alumnus, worked as a manager at Bain & Company.

What next for Roslansky?

Roslansky was appointed to lead LinkedIn in 2020. In 2025, he was given the additional responsibility of Executive Vice President (EVP) at Microsoft and will continue in that role.

Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in December 2016 for $26.2 billion in an all-cash deal.

What else changes?

The leadership change takes effect immediately and reflects Microsoft’s broader organisational reshuffle as it integrates artificial intelligence (AI) more deeply across its products and services.

In addition to Shapero, Microsoft has elevated Mohak Shroff to take on the role of president of platforms and digital work at Microsoft. Shroff was previously serving as the senior vice president of engineering at LinkedIn.

“Mohak is one of the most original technology thinkers I know. In this role he'll focus on technology strategy and long-term innovation as we build the future of work,” Roslansky added.

Both Shapero and Shroff will be reporting to Roslansky.

The platform currently has close to one-and-a-half billion users from around the world. The reshuffle also comes at a time when the company is seeking to increase monetisation per user, with growth in the user base remaining steady.

The changes also fit with the broader overhaul of leadership positions at Microsoft.

Rajesh Jha, a senior leader overseeing Office products, recently announced plans to retire after working closely with CEO Satya Nadella on succession planning. Meanwhile, other senior figures, including gaming head Phil Spencer and cybersecurity leader Charlie Bell, have also shifted into other roles.