ServiceNow Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Hossein Nowbar as President and Chief Legal Officer

On January 5, 2026, ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE: NOW) announced the appointment of Hossein Nowbar as its new President and Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This strategic move comes as the company aims to bolster its leadership team during a pivotal phase in its growth trajectory. Nowbar succeeds Russ Elmer, who has served as the CLO since 2018 and will transition to the role of Special Counsel, continuing to provide strategic guidance on key legal and corporate matters.

Before joining ServiceNow, Hossein Nowbar held the position of Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Corporation, where he developed a robust understanding of the complexities surrounding technology, law, and public policy. His tenure at Microsoft spanned over 25 years, during which he navigated critical issues such as artificial intelligence, intellectual property, privacy, and security, as well as internet governance and cross-border data regulation.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President at Microsoft, expressed confidence in Nowbar’s capabilities, stating, “ServiceNow has long been a valued partner to Microsoft, and I’m excited that Hossein will build on his success as he steps into this important role at the company.” Smith’s endorsement underscores the strong relationship between the two companies and the high expectations for Nowbar’s impact at ServiceNow.

Bill McDermott, Chairman and CEO of ServiceNow, highlighted the importance of Nowbar's leadership as the company accelerates its global growth strategy. “Hossein brings the leadership this moment demands,” McDermott noted. He emphasized that Nowbar’s extensive experience as a trusted advisor to senior technology and policy leaders positions him well to uphold the trust of ServiceNow’s customers, shareholders, and partners.

In his new role, Nowbar will oversee global legal, ethics, governance, compliance, and risk management, in addition to corporate and government affairs. His mandate includes strengthening ServiceNow’s commitment to responsible innovation while supporting the company’s long-term growth objectives.

Nowbar expressed his enthusiasm about joining ServiceNow at a critical juncture for both the company and the enterprise software industry. “I’m thrilled to join ServiceNow at such an exciting moment,” he stated. He conveyed gratitude for his prior experiences at Microsoft and expressed eagerness to collaborate with McDermott and the executive leadership team to develop a world-class legal and governance framework.

As a recognized expert in navigating the intricate challenges faced by enterprise technology companies, Nowbar’s strategic insights are expected to enhance ServiceNow's operational integrity and compliance, ultimately fostering trust and customer success.

The appointment of Hossein Nowbar as President and CLO marks a significant step in ServiceNow's ongoing evolution as a leader in the enterprise software market. With his extensive background and expertise, Nowbar is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the company’s mission of transforming business operations through innovative solutions. As ServiceNow continues to expand its reach and influence, the leadership of Nowbar heralds a promising future for the organization and its stakeholders.

By integrating his wealth of experience with ServiceNow’s vision, Nowbar is set to play a crucial role in shaping the company's legal and governance landscape, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the rapidly changing technology sector.