Reid French, former Autodesk Board of Directors member

Autodesk is deeply saddened about the passing of longtime Autodesk Board of Directors member and respected colleague Reid French. Since joining the board in July 2017, Reid had an immeasurable impact on Autodesk’s success and the spirit of our community, and his absence will be felt by many.

Reid served on nearly every board committee over the course of his tenure, including the audit committee (also serving as interim chair in 2024), and most recently as chair of the compensation committee. He played a pivotal role in many key decisions and the overall direction of our business, helping to shape Autodesk into the company it is today.

Beyond his professional contributions, Reid consistently brought kindness, compassion, and grace to everything he did and every person he interacted with during his time with Autodesk. He was not only a trusted leader of the board, but an admired mentor and friend within our community – the truest testament to his character and legacy.

Autodesk leaders reflect on their experience with Reid:

“Reid was an incredibly humble, smart, authentic, and kind person who led impactful work with a strong vision and moral compass,” said Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk president and CEO. “As a longtime colleague and mentor, I am grateful for Reid’s countless contributions to Autodesk’s Board of Directors and the indelible legacy he leaves behind. His passing is a loss to the world and I had the utmost respect for him both personally and professionally. My deepest condolences go out to Reid’s family and friends, as well as the communities which he proudly served.”

Ruth Ann Keene, executive vice president, corporate affairs, chief legal officer & corporate secretary, shared, “Reid served on nearly every committee during his time on our board, including most recently as chair of the compensation committee. He was always the first to raise his hand when help was needed, and his thoughtful, active participation made a lasting impact on Autodesk’s success. Reid was not only a deeply committed board member, but also an exceedingly kind and generous human being who was always pausing to check in with team members and to share stories of his children. His presence, wisdom, and warmth will be profoundly missed.”

Janesh Moorjani, executive vice president and chief financial officer, added, “Reid provided exceptionally thoughtful leadership during his time on the board, expertly balancing aspirational thinking with supportive views that inspired and challenged us to strive for excellence. He touched us all with a deep warmth and genuine kindness that will always be cherished. Reid served as a trusted mentor to me and countless others, always generous with his time, expertise, and wise counsel. He was the epitome of compassion and will be greatly missed by many.”

“Reid was incredibly smart and accomplished. But what set him aside in my opinion was his overriding kindness. It is rare to come across someone who combined those attributes as Reid did. I will miss Reid’s guiding hand and insights in our discussions, his warmth and humanity, and his friendship. My deepest condolences go out to Reid’s family and friends. He will be profoundly missed,” shared Stacy Smith, Autodesk board chair.

We are forever grateful for Reid’s service, commitment, and the time we had the privilege of sharing with him.