Oracle Corporation has officially announced the immediate retirement of two of its longest-serving board members, George H. Conrades and Naomi O. Seligman, marking the end of an era in the company’s governance. The announcement was disclosed through a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2026.
According to the filing, Oracle emphasized that neither departure was connected to internal conflict or disagreements. The company stated clearly: “Neither retirement was the result of any dispute or disagreement with Oracle on any matter relating to Oracle’s operations, policies or practices.” This clarification underscores that the transitions are part of a planned governance evolution rather than a reaction to internal challenges.
Key Details of the Board Retirements
George H. Conrades, aged 86, had served on Oracle’s board for 18 years. He is widely recognized as the former CEO of Akamai Technologies and a veteran leader within the technology sector. His experience played a critical role in guiding Oracle through major shifts in cloud computing, enterprise software, and global expansion.
Naomi O. Seligman, aged 87, retires after an impressive 20-year tenure. A co-founder of the Research Board, Seligman has been a pivotal figure in shaping Oracle’s corporate governance, offering strategic oversight during decades of technological transformation and business growth.
Both retirements were formally notified in early January 2026, with Conrades’ notification dated January 5 and Seligman’s on January 7.
Oracle’s Leadership Transition and Broader Context
The board changes come amid significant leadership restructuring at Oracle. In late 2025, the company adopted a dual-CEO model, appointing Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as co-chief executives. This move reflects Oracle’s focus on accelerating innovation, particularly in cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
Long-time CEO Safra Catz transitioned into the role of Executive Vice Chair of the Board, maintaining strategic influence while stepping back from day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, now 81, continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, remaining deeply involved in the company’s AI and cloud strategy.
What Comes Next for Oracle’s Board?
Oracle has not yet announced successors for the two vacant board seats. However, industry observers expect new appointments as part of Oracle’s broader commitment to refreshing its governance framework for the AI-driven era. The upcoming selections are likely to reflect expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global enterprise strategy.
As Oracle navigates rapid technological change, the retirement of Conrades and Seligman signals a generational shift one that blends respect for legacy leadership with a forward-looking vision for the future.
