Safra Ada Catz (born December 1961) is an Israeli-American billionaire business leader, banker, and technology executive best known for her long tenure at Oracle Corporation. Over more than two decades, she has played a central role in shaping Oracle’s strategy, driving its major acquisitions, leading global operations, and overseeing its financial growth.
Early Life & Education
Born in Holon, Israel, Catz moved to Brookline, Massachusetts at age six. She graduated from Brookline High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School (1983), and received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School (1986).
Early Career in Investment Banking
Catz began her career in investment banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) in 1986. She held multiple leadership roles, rising to:
- Senior Vice President (1994–1997)
- Managing Director (1997–1999)
Her banking work laid the foundation for her later leadership in corporate strategy and large-scale M&A.
Career at Oracle
Catz joined Oracle Corporation in April 1999 as Senior Vice President. Known for her command of operations, finance, and acquisitions, she quickly rose through the ranks.
Key Roles & Milestones
- Board Member (2001–2025)
- President (2004)
- Chief Financial Officer
- First tenure: 2005–2008
- Second tenure: 2011–2025
- Co-President with Mark Hurd (2010)
- Co-CEO (2014–2019)
- Sole CEO (2019–2025)
- Executive Vice Chair (2025–present)
Under her leadership, Oracle executed numerous acquisitions, including the pivotal $10.3 billion PeopleSoft takeover (2005), a deal widely credited to her negotiating strategy.
2025 Leadership Transition
In September 2025, Catz transitioned to Executive Vice Chair, with Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia succeeding her as co-CEOs.
Corporate Influence & Compensation
Catz is frequently ranked among the world’s most powerful businesswomen:
- Fortune Most Powerful Women: Regularly ranked, including #11 in 2023
- Forbes World’s Most Powerful Women: #17 in 2024
- America’s Richest Self-Made Women 2025: #15, with a net worth of $3.1 billion
She has also been one of the highest-paid executives in the United States.
Highlights include:
- Highest-paid woman in Fortune 1000 (2011) – $51.7 million
- Highest-paid female CEO (2016) – $40.9 million
- Sixth highest-paid U.S. CEO (2022) – $138 million
Board Roles & Advisory Work
Catz has served on numerous corporate and national-security-focused boards.
Corporate Boards
- HSBC (2008–2015)
- The Walt Disney Company (2018–2024)
- Paramount Skydance (joined 2025 following the Paramount–Skydance merger)
Strategic & National Security Roles
- Trustee, In-Q-Tel
- Member, Homeland Security Advisory Council (2022–present)
- Commissioner, National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI)
Political & Public Sector Engagement
Catz has engaged in U.S. political and policy circles, primarily through advisory roles and contributions:
- Member of Donald Trump’s 2016 transition team
- Considered for federal roles including Director of National Intelligence and U.S. Trade Representative
- Major donor to Republican candidates and committees
- Reportedly shortlisted for National Security Advisor in 2018
Other Notable Events
- Played a key role in defending Oracle’s acquisition of NetSuite in litigation concluded in 2025, with the Delaware Supreme Court ruling in Oracle’s favor.
- Received attention for major stock transactions in 2021 involving derivatives conversion and share sales.
Academic Involvement
Catz is also a lecturer in accounting at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, sharing her experience in finance, operations, and leadership with MBA students.
Personal Life
Catz has been married to Gal Tirosh, a former soccer coach, since 1997. The couple has two sons and resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.