Serafin (pictured) has been chief executive at Qualtrics since 2020, having previously been chief operating officer at the firm.

In addition, Serafin also spent more than 17 years at Microsoft, latterly as corporate vice-president.

Serafin will be temporarily replaced by Jim Whitehurst and Mark Gillett as interim co-chief executives while Qualtrics begins the process of seeking a permanent long-term successor. Whitehurst will also act as executive chairman.

Whitehurst is a former chief executive at Red Hat and president at IBM, while Gillett previously worked at Qualtrics investors Silver Lake.

The announcement comes shortly after Qualtrics acquired experience measurement and data analytics business Press Ganey Forsta, with the deal worth $6.75bn.

Serafin said the transfer to new leadership would give the co-CEOs opportunity to get involved in the integration of Press Ganey Forsta into the business and shape plans for 2026.

In a statement, Serafin said: “I’ll remain closely connected – championing our customers, serving as vice-chairman on the board, and supporting Jim and Mark on our long-term initiatives and our AI innovation.

“I’m deeply grateful to have worked alongside so many talented and caring teammates who are building something truly special.”