Autodesk, the company behind Maya, 3ds Max, Fusion 360, and AutoCAD, has announced a major workforce reduction, impacting approximately 1,350 employees or around 9% of its total staff. This decision, made by CEO Andrew Anagnost and the executive team, aims to reshape the company’s strategic direction, accelerate AI investments, and enhance long-term business resilience.
According to an internal memo shared by Anagnost, the layoffs were driven by three primary factors.
Autodesk has transitioned to a subscription-based model and direct billing system. The company is now restructuring its go-to-market organization to better align with these changes and improve customer satisfaction.
Autodesk plans to shift resources across various departments to strengthen its investments in AI, cloud technology, and platform development. This move is intended to keep the company ahead of competitors and provide more connected solutions to customers.
The company is adapting to an evolving global business environment shaped by macroeconomic, geopolitical, and regulatory factors. Autodesk aims to distribute expertise more effectively and optimize talent investments to remain competitive.
Anagnost emphasized that the decision was made independently without external pressure. Autodesk is providing severance packages and career assistance services to support impacted employees in finding new opportunities. The company is also committed to handling the process with respect for local laws and regulations.
In his statement, Anagnost acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed gratitude to both affected and remaining employees. He assured the workforce that Autodesk remains committed to long-term success and innovation despite the challenges.
This restructuring marks a significant shift for Autodesk as it doubles down on AI-driven development while navigating a rapidly changing industry landscape.
