For nearly two decades, Joe has helped high-growth startups across Europe find the leaders they need to scale with confidence. Now at Lightspeed, he brings that experience to bear by supporting founders as they build the executive teams and boards that will guide them through their next chapters.

In his role, Joe helps Lightspeed’s European portfolio build best-in-class leadership teams, while also growing a network of top-tier executive and advisory talent across the continent.

Before joining Lightspeed, Joe spent 17 years as an executive recruiter, including 12.5 years as part of the leadership team at Erevena, a top-tier global search firm. There, he worked with VC-backed tech companies and investors to place transformational talent across leadership and board roles.

His move into venture capital was a natural next step. “I’ve worked hand-in-hand with VC-backed companies for years,” says Joe. “Supporting founders as they build out their leadership teams was always the most fulfilling part of my job. Now I get to focus on that every day, with the added benefit of doing it across one of the most exciting portfolios in Europe.”

After taking time to reflect on his next chapter, Joe met Lightspeed’s Executive Talent team just as the firm was expanding in Europe. Having previously partnered with several Lightspeed-backed companies, the connection was already there. “It was a very natural fit from the get-go,” he says.

Joe’s approach is grounded in a belief that hiring is the single biggest unlock for scale. “The difference between good and great companies,” he says, “often comes down to hiring. Our job is to help founders access aspirational leaders who can genuinely change the trajectory of their business.”

Raised in a large, close-knit family with four siblings, Joe credits his parents with instilling the values that shape his approach to work — humility, integrity, and teamwork. “My dad’s tireless work ethic and my mum’s emotional intelligence created a home where we learned to own our mistakes, forgive quickly, and never stop learning.”

Today, Joe finds joy and balance in family life with his wife and two young children. He’s a lifelong sports fan and draws energy from the camaraderie of a great team, whether on the football pitch, the ski slopes, or gathered around the BBQ at home. “I’ve always believed in the power of team,” he says. “And I feel lucky to work with one of the best, across Europe and the globe.”