Oracle has initiated a massive global layoff affecting employees worldwide as it pivots resources toward AI infrastructure. The cuts have reached the highest levels of leadership, including a senior director who was a 16-year veteran of the company. Sharat Chander announced in a tweet that he had been terminated.
“Well, my #Java journey has come to an end. Today my role at Oracle has been terminated. Sharat Chander wrote on X. He added, “I’m open to any job leads y’all may have.”
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“A lot of emotions, both positive and negative…”
He shared a detailed post on LinkedIn expressing how the news impacted him. He wrote, “You're never 100% prepared for a layoff… well, that time has come for me. As of today, my role as the Head of Developer Community Engagement has been eliminated at Oracle as part of the #OracleLayoff. Of course there's a lot of emotions, both positive and negative as to be expected… but, I'm thankful that I was able to contribute towards building perhaps THE LARGEST #Developer ecosystem and community on the planet....and that's #Java.”
{{/usCountry}}He shared a detailed post on LinkedIn expressing how the news impacted him. He wrote, “You're never 100% prepared for a layoff… well, that time has come for me. As of today, my role as the Head of Developer Community Engagement has been eliminated at Oracle as part of the #OracleLayoff. Of course there's a lot of emotions, both positive and negative as to be expected… but, I'm thankful that I was able to contribute towards building perhaps THE LARGEST #Developer ecosystem and community on the planet....and that's #Java.”
{{/usCountry}}He added, “Being able to help so many reach their summits by staying connected with Java is what gave me purpose. Perhaps I could have used some #AI to make this message sound more heartfelt, but then it wouldn't sound like me or come from the heart. I'm truly thankful for those I worked with, those I met along the way, and those who'll stay connected with me despite this speed bump.”
He concluded his LinkedIn post by stating that he was open to work and actively seeking new opportunities.
When did he join Oracle?
According to his LinkedIn, he joined the company in 2010 as the director: Global head of developer relations. In 2015, he became the senior director of product management. He assumed his current position, from which he was recently laid off, in 2020.
Who is Sharat Chander?
Sharat Chande has a BS in finance from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining Oracle, he worked at Verizon and then at Sun Microsystems.
A profile of him on an Oracle blog suggests he has been in the IT industry for the past 20 years. He has technical experience in Java development tools, graphics design, and product/community management.
Outside his office, he has been a part of multiple global developer events and Java community engagements. He has also appeared on tech-related podcasts.
Oracle’s everance package for US employees:
According to documents reviewed by Business Insider, the company is offering four weeks' base salary, plus one week of severance for each additional year of employment, to affected employees. The number of additional weeks goes up to 26 weeks.
Oracle’s layoff email:
The email, reportedly sent at 6 am, informed the affected employees that their roles have been eliminated and that they are terminated, effective immediately.
“We are sharing some difficult news regarding your position. After careful consideration of Oracle's current business needs, we have made the decision to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change. As a result, today is your last working day. We are grateful for your dedication, hard work, and the impact you have made during your time with us. After signing your termination paperwork, you will be eligible to receive a severance package subject to the terms and conditions of the severance plan. You will receive an email from DocuSign to your Oracle email address with details on your severance and termination date,” read a part of the email by the company, as reviewed by Business Insider.