John brings more than three decades of operational leadership to Lightspeed’s Growth Private Equity team, where he partners with founders, CEOs, and executive teams to evaluate new investment opportunities and, post-investment, create and operationalize value creation plans that seek to drive sustainable growth.

A four-time senior software executive, including twice as CEO, three-time Chairman, and working over his career with six different private equity firms, John has been a key member of teams successfully completing 30 M&A transactions, including multiple strategic exits. With deep functional experience, to include operating in international markets, he also offers hands-on, strategy-driven insights that resonate with C-level executives, Board members, and Operators alike.

The spark for John’s move into growth private equity came from years in the CEO seat, where he saw firsthand the varied approaches to building enterprise value. That curiosity evolved into a passion for applying his operating lens as a board member and now as a partner to management teams.

John’s path to Lightspeed was shaped by both reputation and trusted relationships. Two former colleagues he deeply respected joined Lightspeed to launch the Growth Private Equity team, and over time, meeting more of the firm only reinforced the opportunity. “Meeting multiple people at the firm over time, and having the chance to work with them, presented an incredible opportunity,” he reflects.

John strives for putting founders first: he listens closely, draws from decades of pattern recognition, and shares stories of lessons learned, especially from mistakes. “I have incredible respect for founders and executives,” he says. “Having done the job several times myself, I know how hard it can be.”

Raised as one of nine children, John’s work ethic was forged early. If he wasn’t in an extracurricular activity, he was working after school and on weekends. A defining moment came watching his brother recover from a severe car accident with daily determination. “Seeing his enthusiasm to start each day and take on demanding work reminds me what real perseverance looks like,” he says.

When not working with founders, John can be found on the river fly fishing or on the golf course.